A decision on changes taxi fares between capital city Male’ and Hulhumale’ will be reached after a public forum to discuss the matter with locals and taxi service providers, says Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Aishath Nahula.

Stating that a public forum will be scheduled in the near future, Minister Nahula said that in order to reach a fair decision, public opinions are required.

Further speaking to concerned taxi drivers, Minister Nahula stated that the Ministry will be discussing potential changes to taxi fares with centers before implementing them.

Highlighting that the Ministry will not leave registered cars without parking spots, Nahula said that the Ministry will establish a parking zone if an amendment is to be brought. As such, when the Ministry abolishes garages jointly with the Ministry of Planning, they will be providing parking slots for registered taxis.

In this regard, Minister Nahula stated that discussions are currently underway with relevant authorities and that the Ministry will take full responsibility for any issues that may arise.

Minister Nahula also urged the press to not report to the public in ways that will create confusion and disorder.

After bringing said amendments, the Ministry will be inspecting vessels and taking measures against those that go against them.

Minister Nahula assured the public that the people will not need to worry about anything that has happened due to negligence of the Ministry, reassuring that the Ministry will take full responsibility for any issues that may arise.

Urging taxi drivers to not hesitate when coming forth to share their concerns, Minister Nahula stated that the Ministry will always work to bring progress to the lifestyle of citizens.

On Monday, local taxi drivers had met the Minister to express their concerns about the current fares for travel over the Sinamale' Bridge.

As such, drivers said that the current rates are “unacceptable and unrealistic”, having been decided without holding discussions with taxi centers.

The current taxi fare rate from Male’ to Hulhumale is MVR 40, and the fare from Malé, to Hulhulé is MVR 35. The same rate applies from Hulhumale’ to Male’ or Hulhule’, however, some taxi drivers have been charging passengers MVR 100 or more for fares over the bridge.