Taxi drivers refuse to cross bridge with ‘too many check posts’

Several taxi drivers have stopped transport over the Sina-Male’ Bridge after Ministry of Transport launched its crackdown to stop taxis from overcharging clients.

Traffic Police have now begun stopping and questioning taxis which travel over the bridge to ensure taxis do not overcharge clients. And the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has warned its officials will be going undercover to ensure the regulatory fare rates are maintained.

‘Sun’ called the 5656 Taxi Service Center and was informed the center has stopped trips over the bridge due to “too many check posts.” And many other taxi centers ‘Sun’ called rung for a few seconds before the numbers gave off a busy signal.

‘Sun’ has been informed taxi service centers are now engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation over the taxi fares.

OFFICIAL TAXI FARE:

• Within Male’ City: MVR 25
• Within Hulhumale’: MVR 25
• Male’ City to Hulhumale’: MVR 40
• Hulhumale’ to Male’ City: MVR 40
• Male’ City to Hulhule’: MVR 35
• Hulhumale’ to Hulhule’: MVR 35

Taxis can also charge an extra MVR 5 for use of the trunk, and extra MVR 5 for services after midnight.

Despite the set rates, taxis charge MVR 100 for trips over the bridge and highway.

Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Transport Authority has appealed to the public to report taxis which violate the official rates. It said the rates were finalized after discussions with taxi centers, and has threatened taxis which violate the set rates with suspension of license.

However, taxi service centers have complained the official rates are too low.