This government cares for taxi drivers most: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that no previous administration has valued taxi drivers as much as the current government.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with residents of Male' Machangolhi district last night, where several taxi drivers expressed concerns about the government’s planned taxi line service aimed at easing public transport challenges.

President Muizzu said his administration has taken concrete steps to support taxi drivers, including allocating a dedicated flat category for them under the government’s housing schemes.

Under current regulations, 50 flats have been reserved specifically for taxi drivers.

“I believe there has never been a government that value taxi drivers more than ours,” he said.

“I pledged to introduce a housing programme for taxi drivers, and this time they are included as a special allocation category.”

The President noted that the government is formalizing a legal register of taxi drivers, which will enable those listed to apply for soft loans and housing schemes. So far, more than 100 individuals have applied to join the register.

“Once you are on the register, you will have access to various soft loans and housing opportunities,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the government’s upcoming taxi line service, launched in partnership with MTCC, President Muizzu that the initiative is not intended to reduce opportunities for existing drivers.

MTCC recently announced recruitment for the service, and priority would be given to current taxi drivers, President Muizzu said.

The President also said that 150 electric vehicles (EVs) required for the service will arrive in the Maldives by January next year. He said the project will provide drivers with stable income, more time with their families and a dignified livelihood.

The government’s taxi line service modelled on international platforms such as Uber and Grab is a 24-hour EV-based transport network operated by MTCC.

Initially planned for launch in August this year, the project has faced delays but will roll out in three phases: