The first shipment of vehicles for the Government’s Malé Taxi Line has arrived, with 60 electric vehicles delivered as part of preparations ahead of the service launch.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) said the vehicles are currently being cleared at Hulhumalé Port, with the remaining 90 vehicles from the initial batch of 150 expected to arrive in a second shipment later. The service, which is scheduled to commence on 2 April, will operate through a dedicated mobile application, with 1655 designated as the hotline.

MTCC said that the taxi line will operate 24 hours a day using environmentally friendly electric vehicles, including models sourced from Thailand and China. The initiative aims to improve accessibility and service quality in the Greater Malé Region, where concerns over taxi availability have been longstanding.

As part of the rollout, MTCC plans to recruit 407 drivers, including both part-time and full-time staff. Authorities said the introduction of the structured taxi system is expected to enhance urban mobility and provide a more reliable transport option for the public.