Taxi drivers protest against government plans to run taxi services

Taxi drivers staged a protest in Hulhumale' today against government plans to introduce a State run taxi service.

The protest was held outside the Umar Zahir Building in Hulhumale' Phase 1 which houses the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.

Protestors demanded that the government cease any plans to create competition for their services, which is their fundamental means of income.

The protests were staged after a meeting held between drivers and Ministry officials, with the drivers claiming the ministry had failed to agree with their terms.

Bearing posters and placards, the protestors voiced out that the government entering the business of taxi services would result in causing them hardship. They demanded that Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen hand in his resignation.

Although this protest ceased, drivers have since halted taxi trips in Male' region and have said they would resume protests at another location in Hulhumale'.

The 'Male' Fahi' programme launched by the Transport Ministry last week included plans to establish a safe, reliable taxi line. The plan stated that opportunity to drive taxis under this taxi line on a freelance basis would be given to interested locals, with the service to be controlled through a dedicated mobile app.

The plan further announced that 25 percent of the vehicles used in this taxi service would be environmentally friendly, electric vehicles.