Taxi drivers have expressed discontent with changes brought by the government to taxi fares in the Male' region.
The Transport Ministry recently changed the fares for taxi rides on larger vehicles that can carry more than six passengers. Aside from setting special rates for such vehicles, the ministry also allowed extra charges for excess luggage and trips to the domestic terminal. The new prices are due to come into force next Monday.
Expressing concern over the changes at a press conference yesterday, taxi drivers said the ministry did not consult them before setting the rates. The price set for seven-seater vehicles is 40 percent lower than the previous fare, drivers said.
"After the government said they won't do it, talking in various meetings and assuring us that they will keep current prices in place until meters could be [introduced], they have suddenly made an announcement without our knowledge with a 40 percent reduction in van ride prices," a driver said.
According to taxi drivers, the government made the change after imposing difficult conditions through the police and employees of the Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) on taxis that ride to the airport. Prohibiting ride-sharing at the airport queue prolongs the process, drivers said.
In addition to changes to taxi fares, the drivers also alleged that the state-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has started offering taxi service to the airport with the company's cars.
