Drivers Association says extension of free government taxi service is causing irreparable damage

The Drivers Association of Maldives says the government’s decision to extend the free “Male' Taxi” service is causing irreparable harm to private taxi drivers and operators.

State‑owned MTCC launched the Male' Taxi service in early April, announcing it would be free for one week. However, more than a week after April 9, the service continues to operate without charge.

In a statement on Sunday, the association said taxi services in Male' have long been provided by private drivers and taxi centres, forming a key source of income for hundreds of Maldivian families. It argued that government interference in this sector is unfair and damaging.

The association further alleged that the government is offering the service in violation of regulations that private drivers and taxi centres are required to follow.

“Entry into public business using state resources violates several provisions of the Competition and Sustainability Act. In particular, the government’s decision to provide this service free of charge until its own application is ready causes irreparable loss to private taxi drivers during these difficult economic times,” the statement said.

އެމްޓީސީސީ އިން ފެށި ޚިދުމަތާއި ގުޅިގެން ކަންބޮޑުވުން ފާޅުކޮށް ނެރޭ ނޫސް ބަޔާން!@MoTCAmv @MTCCPlc @PoliceMv @raajjemv @sunbrk pic.twitter.com/V8OEyqkf2g

— Drivers Association of Maldives (@DriversAssocMV) April 12, 2026

It added that while private taxi centres, app operators and drivers face strict regulation and heavy fines, the government‑run service is operating outside the prescribed rules. The association called for equal treatment between private and government taxi services.

Earlier, Drivers Association President Ibrahim Niyaz said that although some hours now see fewer trips available, the issue is not related to the taxi queue system.

The government has said the new taxi line service aims to address long‑standing public concerns. The 150 vehicles designated for the service arrived in Male' in late March, including compact cars suitable for Male's narrow streets and vehicles capable of travelling between Male' and Hulhumale'.