The Government has awarded the contract to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to introduce an electric vehicle (EV) taxi service in Malé, aimed at modernising urban transport and addressing long-standing taxi service challenges.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held today by Director General Ahmed Shameem on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, and Managing Director Ahmed Saudee on behalf of MTCC.

The EV taxi service, expected to launch mid-year, will be operated through a software-based system similar to Uber or Grab and will be managed by MTCC. The service aims to ensure a taxi is available within two minutes of a request, and reduce congestion at airport taxi queues, a long-standing issue for both Maldivian and foreign passengers.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen stated that the service will consist entirely of EV taxis, making it a 100 per cent environmentally friendly transport solution. He assured that the introduction of the Government-backed taxi service will not negatively impact existing taxi operators. The new system will allow both full-time and part-time drivers to register, providing flexible employment opportunities.

Saudee explained that a special registration pool will be opened for drivers, and an awareness programme will be conducted. Only those who complete the programme successfully will be eligible to drive under the new system. Part-time drivers will have the option to receive payments on a weekly or biweekly basis.

The EV taxi service, introduced under the Malé Fahi project launched in July last year, aims to provide a modern and sustainable transport solution while addressing the challenges of the current taxi system.

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation emphasised that taxi services are a critical public need, but the lack of accountability and efficiency in the existing system has made it difficult for passengers to access taxis when needed.

The introduction of electric vehicles is expected to resolve these issues by ensuring a structured, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport service in Malé City.