Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated that demand for the Malé Taxi Line service continues to increase as the Government expands efforts to address transport challenges within the Greater Malé region.

Speaking at the Presser with the Spox yesterday, the spokesperson said the service has now been operating for around one and a half months, with authorities continuing to receive public feedback and suggestions regarding the initiative.

Highlighting the transport challenges faced in Malé due to the large number of vehicles in the city, the spokesperson noted that one of the Government’s initial priorities was the removal of abandoned and damaged vehicles from roads and public areas before introducing the taxi service.

According to figures released by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), a total of 9,550 passengers used the Malé Taxi Line service between April 18 and May 9, during which 13,073 trips were completed. Most of the trips were recorded within Malé City.

The spokesperson stated that the Malé Taxi Line service was introduced under a presidential initiative aimed at finding a long-term solution to taxi shortages in the Greater Malé area. He added that demand for the service has continued to rise since its launch.

According to MTCC, the service currently operates with a fleet of around 150 environmentally friendly electric vehicles introduced to the Maldives for the initiative. The fleet includes vehicles of three different sizes, ranging from smaller city vehicles to airport transfer and cargo-capable vehicles.

Authorities also launched a dedicated website for taxi bookings, while trips can additionally be arranged through hotline number 1655. The Government stated that public feedback would continue to be incorporated in efforts to modernise the transport system within the Malé region.