Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has said that the government is commencing the taxi line service without conducting any kind of research.

Minister Ameen said this in response to a question by MP for North Galolhu constituency Mohamed “Kudoo” Ibrahim during the People's Majlis sitting held on Wednesday.

The lawmaker’s question was whether the minister had said that the taxi service started by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) would not harm the current taxi operators.

He asked if that statement was made after any kind of research, and if the research report could be shared with the People's Majlis.

In addition to this, if that statement was made without any research, he asked why and how the current taxi operators would not be harmed when MTCC commences its taxi service.

In response to this, Minister Ameen said that even if MTCC starts its taxi service, there will be no obstacle for those who have been providing taxi services in accordance with the regulations to continue their service.

Further, Minister Ameen said that transport services were carried out in the Greater Malé Region area before as well. He said that such services have been started throughout the country, and that the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) is also such a service. He went on to note that the bus service is also included in the link.

Ameen said that none of these services were started based on analysis or scientific research or any studies.

In addition to this, Minister Ameen said that the need for taxi services in GMR is very clear, and that the public has been sharing with the ministry the difficulty of not getting taxis when needed.

Minister Ameen said that it is difficult to find a taxi to go from one place to another in GMR. He also noted that instead, people have to pay a high price to find a taxi to go to Hulhumalé or the airport.

As the government is working to start the taxi service and is preparing to launch it, taxi drivers have expressed many concerns about it. They have also said that it will cause many losses to the private individuals who do this work.