Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced that the first week of its newly launched Malé Taxi Line will operate as a trial period, during which rides will be provided free of charge.

The service has been introduced with a fleet of 150 vehicles. MTCC stated that, similar to its RTL ferry services, the initial week will be used to test operations and gather public feedback to further improve the service.

During the trial phase, taxis can only be booked through the hotline 1655. The company noted that bookings via the web application “maletaxi.web.app” will be introduced after the trial period. MTCC is also working on developing a dedicated mobile application, which is expected to provide additional convenience and features for users.

Passengers will not be able to hail taxis from the street under this system. MTCC explained that the service is designed to be digitally tracked and monitored to ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability. The move also aims to address common issues associated with street-hailing, including inconsistent pricing, lost belongings, and unsatisfactory service experiences.

Drivers operating under the taxi line are employed staff who have undergone specialised training. More than 400 drivers are expected to be active within the service, which will operate 24 hours a day.

At present, the service is available in Malé, Hulhulé, and Hulhumalé. MTCC also plans to expand operations to Villimalé soon, with five vehicles allocated for the area.

Following the trial period, fares will be set in line with rates determined by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. Once a booking is made, the nearest available taxi will be assigned to the customer.

For further information regarding the taxi line service, MTCC advised the public to contact the hotline at 1655.