Taxi drivers end protest following assurance that govt’s taxi line would not cause losses

Taxi drivers have ended their protest following assurances that they will not face losses as a result of the taxi service planned to be introduced by the government.

Taxi drivers staged a series of protests in Male’ City earlier and held another protest in front of the Transport Ministry building in Hulhumale’ on Sunday.

The protestors claimed the introduction of the taxi line by the government would lead to significant negative impacts on their lives. They also alleged that vehicles currently being utilized for public service were being towed without priority in the wee hours of the night.

In an interview to Raajje TV after meeting with the protestors, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said he provided assurance that the taxi drivers will not face negative impacts as a result of the taxi line planned to be introduced by the government.

“The government mainly noted that this was not businesses that the government wished to enter under any circumstances, however, they (taxi drivers) noted that efforts to conduct a study concerning this matter will be commenced on September 1^st,” he detailed.

A driver who spoke during the interview noted that the Minister had informed it would take the government approximately one and half years to introduce the taxi feel.

The driver said Minister Ameen’s remarks had eased their worries to an extent, adding further matters were discussed during the meeting. In this regard, the driver said they requested a revision to the fare of large vehicles traveling to Velana International Airport as the earlier revision reducing the fare was causing losses.

“Apart from this, the traffic issues inside the airport and the lack of space; the Minister affirmed a solution would be provided to these issues in the upcoming five or so days,” the driver said.

Vehicles with 7 to 10 seats can charge MVR 110 to VIA from Male’, MVR 124 from Hulhumale’ Phase I and MVR 130 from Hulhumale’ Phase II.

The rate was revised back in May. Transport Ministry said the fares were revised following discussions with stakeholders.

The introduction of the taxi line is planned under the government’s ‘Male’ Fahi’ program launched recently with the aim of alleviating congestion in Male’ area. Under this initiative, the opportunity to drive taxis under this taxi line on a freelance basis would be given to interested Maldivians, with the service to be controlled through a dedicated mobile application.