The government signed an agreement with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to commence taxi services in the Greater Malé Region last February. While taxi drivers clearly assert that this was done without consulting them, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has claimed that taxi drivers were consulted.

Regardless, taxi drivers have voices numerous complaints. At Monday's noon press conference, a journalist from RaajjeTV inquired Minister Ameen why taxi drivers were not included in the discussions, despite his earlier assurances. Even during the press conference, our journalist’s phone buzzed with notifications of messages from taxi drivers, laced with concerns and unanswered questions.

Among them, the most repeated question was why taxi drivers were not consulted. The assurance the minister had given taxi drivers several times before was that taxi services would not commence without their input. However, that conversation seems to be unspoken today. When questioned about it, the minister gave a very brief answer; his response implying that taxi drivers' permission had not been sought.

The minister quickly added that taxi drivers should not be discouraged. He also admitted that he did not directly consult with taxi drivers regarding the introduction of the government's taxi line. So, was the previous promise to listen to taxi drivers merely a tactic to suppress protests, or to silence their voices? Because in the end, it felt a harsh blow to taxi drivers who expected to be heard.

On one hand, taxi drivers were waiting patiently, having listened to the government's word when the current administration assured that they would be consulted. However, all the taxi drivers received was a stinging betrayal, like a slap across the face. The minister also questioned the claim that it would harm taxi drivers.

The minister has insisted that this is not in “any way” harmful to small businesses. He highlighted the need to consider the financial picture from another perspective. However, one thing becomes clear upon closer inspection; the government stands to benefit from all sides.