Authorities urged to investigate the Male' Taxi Line for allegedly operating in violation of established regulations
The Taxi Drivers Association has expressed concern over MTCC launching taxi services in Male', arguing that the move threatens the income of private drivers and violates competition laws. Alleging that the state-owned enterprise is operating the service unlawfully, the association called on authorities to ensure that regulations are enforced equitably across the industry.
From the ceremony held to inaugurate the government's official taxi line service. | President's Office | President's Office
The Taxi Drivers Association has called for an investigation into Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), alleging that the company is operating its Male’ taxi line services in violation of established regulations.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Drivers’ Association expressed its concerns regarding the launch of MTCC’s taxi services in Male'.
The statement highlighted that taxi drivers have long played a vital role in providing transportation services to the public, noting that the industry is directly linked to the livelihoods and income of hundreds of Maldivian families. It further asserted that the entry of a state-owned enterprise into this sector would undermine fairness and equality, while disrupting the existing regulatory framework.
The Drivers Association has stated that while private taxi centers, application providers, and drivers are subject to stringent regulations and heavy fines for non-compliance, the government-operated taxi service continues to function in violation of established guidelines.
The statement noted that these services are being operated in direct violation of Article 7(a) and Article 11(a), (b), (c), and (d) of the "Taxi Regulations." The association further asserted that such unfair practices in enforcing regulations undermine public confidence in the regulatory framework.
The statement asserted that the government’s entry into a private commercial market using state resources violates several provisions of the "Competition Act." The Drivers Association further emphasized that the decision to offer this service free of charge until the government’s own application is developed would cause irreparable financial damage to the income of private taxi drivers, particularly during these challenging economic times.
Furthermore, the Drivers Association stated that the government should not enter into direct commercial competition in a manner that obstructs the income earned by citizens through their own private labor.
Consequently, all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Maldives Police Service, have been urged to enforce regulations equitably across both private and government-owned taxis.
