TA officials to go undercover to probe taxis overcharging clients

Transport Authority officials will go undercover to investigate the problem of taxis overcharging clients for trips over the Sina-Male’ Bridge, says Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.

Cases of taxis charging over the limit set by TA surfaced from day one after the Sina-Male’ Bridge between Male’ City and Hulhumale’ opened.

OFFICIAL RATE SET BY TA:

• Within Male’ City: MVR 25
• Within Hulhumale’: MVR 25
• Male’ City to Hulhumale’: MVR 40
• Hulhumale’ to Male’ City: MVR 40
• Male’ City to Hulhule’: MVR 35
• Hulhumale’ to Hulhule’: MVR 35

Taxis can also charge an extra MVR 5 for use of the trunk, and extra MVR 5 for services after midnight.

Despite the set rates, taxis charge MVR 100 for trips over the bridge and highway.

‘Sun’ reached out to Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Aishath Nahula for a comment on how the government plans on addressing the issue.

Nahula said the government has decided to first send officials from the TA undercover to investigate the issue, and penalize taxis which violate the official rates.

She did not disclose any details.

Meanwhile, TA has appealed to the public to report taxis which violate the official rates. It said the rates were finalized after discussions with taxi centers, and has threatened taxis which violate the set rates with suspension of license.

A passenger who refused to pay above the set rate was left stranded by a taxi as recent as this month. TA has promised to investigate the case and take necessary action.