Fourth deadline set to launch national taxi line service passes without commencement

Despite previous announcements that the first batch of the government-commissioned taxi fleet—intended to compete with private drivers—would arrive on the 11th of this month and begin operations by the 18th, the deadline has passed without the service launching.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on the 4th of this month, Minister of Transport Mohamed Ameen stated that significant upgrades are required for the electronic systems of taxis. He noted that due to the close proximity of Maldivian islands to the sea, modifications are necessary to protect the vehicles from saltwater corrosion. These adjustments have now been finalized, and the vehicles are scheduled to be imported in two separate batches. The Minister further explained that MTCC initially planned to have these two batches manufactured and prepared in two different countries before being brought to the Maldives.

The Minister stated that both batches have been completed and are currently en route to the Maldives. One batch is scheduled to arrive at a Sri Lankan port this Wednesday; based on current information, it is expected to reach the Maldives by the 11th of this month, God willing. Efforts are also underway to launch the service by the 18th of this month, in time for the Eid holidays.

The next two models are currently en route. Based on the information I gathered before coming here today, we expect to receive the arrival date for the second batch this coming Friday. The first batch of taxis is scheduled to arrive on the 11th of this month. We are working diligently toward this goal. Our objective is to ensure the taxi line is fully prepared to launch into full-scale operations immediately, with the application process being opened within specific guidelines. However, we are aiming to officially inaugurate the taxi line and commence limited services by the 18th of this month, God willing. MTCC is working to ensure the service begins in time for the Eid holidays. In collaboration with the government, MTCC is striving to stay on track with the current schedule to make this a reality.

Minister of Transport Mohamed Ameen - March 4, 2026

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has missed four consecutive deadlines set for the launch of the national taxi line service. Speaking to RaajjeMV regarding the commencement date, a media official from the Ministry of Transport stated that the first batch of taxis has yet to arrive in the Maldives. The official added that specific dates for the arrival of the vehicles and the official launch of the service still need to be clarified.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu previously announced during the "Forward with the People - Week 14" ceremony at the Social Centre that the service would launch by February at the latest. However, the service had not commenced by the end of February.

The government initially set a deadline of July last year to launch this service. However, after failing to meet that target in the first week of July, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen announced that the service would instead commence by mid-August. Despite these assurances, the service remains unavailable to date, and the government has yet to provide any further details regarding the delay.

The government has officially contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to provide taxi services within the Greater Male' area. The project was formally awarded to MTCC in February of last year.