The government's Male' Taxi service is still offering free rides as the mobile application is not yet completed. 

The Male' Taxi line was launched on April 2, designed for customers to seek cabs through a mobile application. However, due to security issues, the app was taken offline, and the taxi service began issuing free rides, setting a deadline at midnight last Thursday. 

MTCC is yet to comment on the extension. 

Currently, customers have to book taxis through calling the hotline 1655. Male' Taxi cabs cannot be hailed on the street. 

Last Thursday, MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudhy told Mihaaru News that the service receives around 58,000 requests for taxis each day. He believes that the high demand may be due to the service being offered free of charge at present. 

He said then that because the free-ride offer was due to expire at midnight, the company was working to launch a test version of the app before the deadline. He added that the app had been taken offline over security concerns, and that teams were working to resolve the issues. 

MTCC is also working on creating a joint application for their RTL ferry services, bus services and other services. 

The project, which costs MVR 13 million, will bring added convenience to customers, Saudhy said. He said that the cost of the project is high because it integrates all of the transport services provided by the company. 

"They are saying now that we gave MVR 13 million. That is the total cost when we centralize software, hardware and everything. Taxi app software cost MVR 2 million," Saudhy said. 

Serious allegations have been made on social media regarding the development of the taxi app, with many accusing the company of corruption in contracting Fixed Maldives for the project, a company which allegedly has no past experience in the area. 

Saudhy, however, denies the allegations. 

North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has since submitted a motion to parliament asking it to probe the matter.