The Taxi Drivers Association has called for an investigation into the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Male’ taxi line service, alleging that the operation violates both the Competition Act and the government’s own taxi regulations.
The association issued this press statement following a long-standing opposition to the service, which began when the government first proposed the idea. During previous discussions, the government had reportedly agreed not to begin the taxi line service.
However, shortly after those assurances, the government allegedly reneged on its commitment to taxi drivers and tasked MTCC with launching taxi services across the Male’ region.
In its statement, the association highlighted that taxi drivers play a vital role in the public transport system and that the profession sustains the livelihoods and incomes of hundreds of Maldivian families.
"We have repeatedly stated before that a government-owned company entering this sector undermines fairness and equality, and will disrupt the existing regulatory framework," the association’s statement read.
The association pointed to several specific clauses in the taxi regulations that MTCC is allegedly violating. They further asserted that the failure to take action against these violations demonstrates a double standard in the enforcement of regulations.
Key issues highlighted by the association include:
- Article 7 - Requirements for Taxi Centres - The association claims that the services provided by MTCC fail to meet the mandatory requirements for taxi centres as stipulated in the Taxi Regulations.
- Article 11 - Provision of Services by Taxi Centres - The association further asserts that MTCC’s operations do not comply with the licensing and vehicle standards required for vehicles providing services through a taxi centre.
The Taxi Driver’s Association maintains that this service violates competition laws, primarily because it is being offered free of charge until the official mobile application is fully developed.
The association has called upon the police and the Transport Ministry to enforce regulations impartially and ensure a level playing field between private drivers and government-operated taxis.
In addition to the drivers' concerns over the launch of the service, serious corruption allegations have been raised regarding the procurement of the vehicles and the development of the service application.
Furthermore, the association has requested MTCC to stop using the name "Male Taxi," claiming it is already registered to another entity. Despite this, the company has continued to provide the service under the same name without addressing the dispute.
