Taxi regulations amended to ease center registration and enable digital service

The government has amended taxi regulations to simplify the requirements for establishing taxi centers and to allow digital taxi services with official permission.

One of the key changes gazetted today reduces the minimum number of vehicles and drivers required to register a taxi center, from 100 to 50. According to the Ministry of Transport, this change will make it easier for more operators to enter the sector and is expected to increase competition and improve service quality for the public.

The amendment also allows licensed taxi drivers to register with two taxi centers simultaneously, enabling drivers to increase their income and helping centers better manage demand during peak hours.

To strengthen passenger safety, the ministry has introduced a new requirement for those wishing to provide taxi services through mobile apps or online platforms. Such operators must now obtain a special permit from the ministry.

“The provision of digital services by obtaining permission in this way is an empowerment to hold service providers accountable,” the ministry said.

The amendments also include provisions to facilitate the upcoming launch of taxi services by MTCC. Companies offering taxi transport services must ensure that such services fall within their operational mandate.

The ministry said the overall purpose of the regulatory changes is to establish a reliable, modern, and accountable taxi system in the Maldives that benefits both passengers and service providers.