Eight complaints since the changes to taxi fares

Transport Ministry, on Sunday, said they have received eight complaints to date, since the Ministry declared new taxi fares last week amid mounting complaints over taxi drivers charging fares that exceed the declared rates.

The new regulation setting forth the new taxi fares was published last Tuesday, with changes set to come into force tomorrow.

Speaking with Sun, an official from Transport Ministry said they have received eight complaints concerning taxis as of Sunday, since the new regulation was published. The official, however, did not delve into the details of the complaints.

Underscoring that the Ministry continues to receive complaints regarding taxis, the official said the Ministry, upon receiving complaints, holds discussions with both the complainant and the taxi driver and subsequently, cautions the drivers if any issues come to light.

The new regulation by the Transport Ministry sets out taxi fares for vehicles with seven seats to 10 seats for the first time. It also states an extra fee will be charged for trips to the domestic terminal, depending on the size of the vehicle. An additional fee of MVR 5 will also be charged for every luggage exceeding three.

Transport Ministry said they are keeping a close watch on whether taxi drivers charge customers the correct fares in collaboration with Maldives Police Service. The Ministry also said a billboard specifying the correct fares will be installed at Velana International Airport (VIA) by collaborating with Maldives Airports Company Limited.

Taxi drivers charging fares excessive to the rates declared by the Transport Ministry is a prevalent issue in the Maldives that is of great concern to consumers.