Taxi regulation published, fee fixed at MVR 25

Regulation on taxis has been published on the government gazette today, fixing taxi fees to MVR 25 per trip between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. and MVR 30 per trip between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

The regulation also allows drivers to collect an addition fee for placing items inside the taxi's boot, restricted to MVR 5 for placing a single item and a total of MVR 10 for placing more than one item. However, the regulation does not restrict the driver from waiving or reducing the fees.

It obligates the drivers to exhibit the name and contact details of their taxi centers along with a taxi top sign indicating a red light for occupied or a green light if the taxi is vacant.

It also restricts foreigners from becoming drivers, except for those holding resident visas who are married to Maldivian citizens. The regulation owners to renew permits to taxis, permits to divers and permits taxi centers within four months of the regulation's publication.