Preparations have begun to launch the government's taxi line service on the 18th of this month, ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holidays.
During a press conference held at the President's Office, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen stated that efforts are underway to begin the government taxi service by the end of this Ramadan.
Minister Ameen said that work is currently ongoing to bring three models of cars to the Maldives, divided into two batches, to start the taxi service. The first batch is being brought from Thailand, and 60 cars of that model will be imported from that country, he said. He added that the cars of the remaining two models are being brought from China.
"Information received from MTCC indicates that one batch will arrive in Malé on the 11th of this month. The second batch is coming from China. I clarified the information today; a specific arrival date for the second batch will be available on Friday," he said.
Ameen stated that the cars of the first batch would enter the port of Sri Lanka today. According to Ameen, efforts are being made to inaugurate and start the service on a limited basis on the 18th of this month.
According to the calendar, Eid al-Fitr falls on the 20th of this month. Ameen said that MTCC's target is to start the service by Eid day.
To solve the current difficulties faced in public transport, MTCC has also interviewed drivers for employment to start the government taxi service in Malé. According to an announcement by MTCC, 407 drivers are needed for the service. Among them, 122 drivers are being sought to work on a part-time basis.
The government decided to enter the taxi business because of the difficulties the public faces due to the issue of the approximately 1,500 currently registered taxi cars coming out only at times the drivers want and only taking trips to places they prefer.
Minister Ameen previously stated that 100 vehicles will be deployed for the service initially. These will include taxis capable of entering narrow alleys. Three plots of land from Hulhumalé have also been designated for parking the vehicles used in the taxi line.
MTCC will provide the taxi service using electric vehicles (EV). This service is set to be provided by establishing a dedicated application for the service, styled after international services like Uber and Grab. The government taxi line service will be launched in three phases.
According to previous announcements, the first phase will begin services to Malé and Hulhumalé, as well as Velana International Airport. In the second phase, the service will be introduced to Villimalé and Thilafushi. In the third phase, the service will start in Rasmalé, Gulhifalhu, Addu, and Fuvahmulah. Plans are also in place to introduce the service to Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi.
