Government taxi fleet will include vehicles for narrow streets: Minister Ameen

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said today that the government’s upcoming EV Taxi Line will include vehicles capable of navigating the narrow streets of Male'.

Speaking in response to questions from Parliament members today, Minister Ameen said the taxi fleet will consist of electric vehicles (EVs) of various sizes to ensure accessibility across all areas of the capital.

“There will be no obstacles to independent taxi drivers, even with the launch of the government-run fleet,” he said, adding that both part-time and full-time drivers will be able to participate in the service.

He said that the initiative is designed to benefit all drivers, including freelancers, by providing more income opportunities.

“Taxi drivers treat this as an income-generating activity, hence there is not harm in this for taxi drivers,” he said.

Minister Ameen said that the ministry has received many complaints about the lack of available taxis in Male'.

“It’s especially difficult to get a taxi to go from one location to another in Male',” he said.

To address this, the government fleet will be equipped with vehicles of varying sizes, including compact ones capable of entering the narrow streets in Male'. “The fleet will also include vehicles that can operate between Male', Hulhumale', and Velana International Airport (VIA),” he added.

Ministry of Transport had previously announced that the government taxi line would launch in the first week of July to ease the current challenges in public transportation.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) will operate the service using electric vehicles. The taxi line will be available 24/7 and bookings will be made through an app-based system, similar to international platforms like Uber and Grab.

The taxi line will be launched in three phases:

- Phase 1 (2024): Male', Hulhumale', and Velana International Airport (VIA)

- Phase 2 (2026–2027): Vilimale' and Thilafushi

- Phase 3 (2028–2029): Rasmale’, Giraavaru, Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, and Haa Dhaalu atoll Kulhudhuffushi