Police initiate crackdown on overcharging taxis

Police have started an operation to check and take steps against taxis that charge more than the amount specified in the new regulations released by the Transport Authority.

Police have tweeted that the operation that starts from today will check the amount of the driver charges and also check the roadworthiness of the taxis. Police will also check the date of the production of the car and whether it is a car that is less than 20 years.

The operation by the Police is commenced in coordination with the implementation of the new regulations by the Transport Authorities. Previously taxis have charged MVR 100 per trip from Male' to Hulhumale', however, this price is set to be reduced starting from tomorrow.

The new regulations state that MVR 75 is to be charged for a trip from Male' To Hulhumale' and trips inside Male' to cost around MVR 25. Trips to Hulhule from Male' or Hulhumale' will cost MVR 60 per trip. The taxi regulations also state that the vehicles used must fulfill the roadworthiness standard and must not be older than 20 years since production. The new regulations have also made the use of three government-approved taxi apps mandatory on drivers and given two months for it to come into effect.

This new operation started by the Police comes at a time when taxi drivers have rejected the new prices set by the Transport Authority. Taxi Drivers Association has also submitted a case to the Civil Court to suspend the new rates.