The government has entrusted Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) with operating a taxi line under the name of EV Taxi Service.

At a ceremony held on Wednesday, the agreement was signed on behalf of the Transport Ministry by the Director General of the Transport Ministry, Ahmed Shameem. MTCC was represented by its Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi.

The government has entered the taxi business, which has been provided by private parties since its inception, despite opposition from private individuals who have been working in the service.

As the government has launched a taxi line service, taxi service providers and the drivers' association have met with relevant government officials, members of parliament representing the government, and the relevant committee of the People’s Majlis to share their concerns.

However, according to reliable sources, when the government entrusted MTCC with starting the taxi service, these concerns were not addressed by the government in any way.

The government said that this service, which includes 100 percent electric vehicles, is a 24-hour service that will solve all the problems currently faced in obtaining taxi services.

MTCC's Managing Director Ahmed Saudi has thanked the president for entrusting MTCC with the operation of the taxi service.

In his speech at Wednesday's ceremony, Saudi said that there could be debates about the purpose of introducing such services, but he did not want to go into that debate.

The presentation given at this ceremony highlighted that there are many problems with the current taxi service in the Greater Malé Region.

These include not being able to get taxis when it rains, having to pay more than the set price, not getting the service when required, not being able to go to the desired location, allowing additional passengers in the car, lack of cleanliness and hygiene, as well as safety issues.

The government revealed that the new taxi line will solve the problem of increasing vehicles and congestion on Malé roads, and will not face the issues encountered in the current taxi service provided by private parties.

The Managing Director of MTCC said that in the government's new taxi service, drivers can work both full-time and part-time.

The government said that even with the start of this service, private parties can continue the services they are currently providing.