Drivers Association Raise Concern Over Extension of Free Malé Taxi Service
Drivers association criticises extension of male taxi service | Photo: MTCC
The Drivers Association of Maldives has stated that the government’s decision to extend the free “Malé Taxi” service is causing significant harm to private taxi drivers and operators.
State-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company launched the Malé Taxi service in early April, initially announcing that it would operate free of charge for one week. However, the service has continued beyond 9 April without fees being introduced.
The association stated that taxi services in Malé have traditionally been provided by private drivers and taxi centres, forming a key source of income for hundreds of Maldivian families. It argued that the expansion of a state-backed service into this sector is unfair and negatively affecting livelihoods.
Concerns were also raised over regulatory disparities, with the association alleging that the government-operated service is not subject to the same rules imposed on private drivers and taxi centres. It stated that private operators are required to comply with strict regulations and face penalties, while the current service is operating outside those requirements.
The association further argued that the use of state resources to provide a free public transport service may conflict with provisions of the Competition and Sustainability Act, particularly as the service continues without charge while a dedicated application is being developed. It called for equal treatment between private and government-operated taxi services.
Earlier remarks by association leadership indicated that fluctuations in trip availability at certain hours were not linked to the taxi queue system.
The government has stated that the new taxi line service is intended to address long-standing public concerns regarding availability and accessibility. A fleet of 150 vehicles for the service arrived in Malé in late March, including compact cars suited to the capital’s narrow streets as well as vehicles capable of operating between Malé and Hulhumalé.
