Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has warned taxi centres and drivers that they will have their licenses revoked if they fail to abide by the fares allocated for taxi service in the Greater Male’ Region.
In a statement released regarding the decision by certain taxi centres to increase their prices of service due to the hike in fuel prices, the transport ministry stated the matter concerns the rights of all citizens, and therefore must protect the interests of the public. The ministry noted taxi centres do not legally have the authority to set their own fares of service, and can face severe punishment if they fail to abide by the regulations of the ministry.
As per the statement, taxi centres and drivers that breach the allocated fares can be fined USD32 and USD65 for the first two offences. Any further offences would lead to the termination of their license.
Last week, taxi drivers in the Greater Male’ Region went on strike, protesting the government’s decision to block the new prices of taxi service announced by the taxi centres. The new prices were set following the hike in fuel prices, triggered by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the government has stated the allocated taxi fares will remain in place despite the rise in fuel prices.
As per the allocated fares, a taxi between Male’ and Hulhumale’ would cost USD4.86. A taxi between Male’ and Hulhule’, or Hulhule’ and Hulhumale’ would cost USD3.88, and all trips within Male’ or Hulhumale’ would cost USD1.62. An additional USD0.32 is charged on all trips conducted between 0000hrs and 0600hrs.