Government Taxi Line Planned for Eid Launch with Electric Fleet

The government is working to launch its new taxi line service by Eid-al-Fitr, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen announced on Thursday, outlining progress on the initiative during a press conference on the Ministry’s ongoing infrastructure and transport projects.

The planned service will introduce a government-backed taxi fleet operated by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), with limited operations expected to begin on the 18th of this month ahead of a full launch by Eid.

Minister Ameen said the rollout had experienced delays due to technical adjustments required for the vehicles. According to the Minister, modifications were necessary to ensure the fleet could operate effectively in the Maldives’ coastal environment, where exposure to sea air and humidity requires additional protective measures.

The taxi fleet will consist of three different vehicle models. One model is being imported from Thailand, while the remaining two are sourced from China. The vehicles will arrive in two batches as the government prepares for the service rollout.

Information shared by MTCC indicates that the first batch of cars is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Colombo on Thursday and is expected to reach the Maldives by the 11th of this month. The arrival timeline for the second batch is expected to be confirmed on Friday.

Officials said preparations are currently underway to formally inaugurate the service and begin initial operations later this month.

“Our objective is to proceed according to the current schedule,” Minister Ameen said during the press briefing.

The government’s initial plan is to launch the service with a fleet of 150 vehicles. MTCC will recruit a total of 407 drivers for the taxi line, including 122 full-time positions.

The service will exclusively utilise electric vehicles, marking one of the country’s largest deployments of EVs within the public transport sector. Authorities say the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise urban transport while supporting environmentally sustainable mobility.

The taxi line will be managed through a dedicated mobile application designed to mirror international ride-hailing platforms. Once operational, the service is expected to run around the clock, offering 24-hour availability to passengers.

The introduction of a government-operated taxi network is intended to strengthen urban transport services in the Greater Malé region, particularly during peak demand periods and major public holidays. Officials say further details on the service rollout will be announced as the arrival of the vehicles and operational preparations progress.