Police: Will take action if taxis increase fare

Maldives Police Service said that action will be taken if taxi centres increase fares.

Taxi centres operating in the greater Male’ region collectively made the decision to increase fares after discussions. The 14 centres that participated attributed the changes to the hikes in fuel prices and other general goods in the market.

Additionally, the taxi centres decided to submit that new rates to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and to bring those prices into effect on March 10, even if the ministry does not bring any changes.

Subsequently, the Transport Ministry stated that fares cannot be changed in that manner, and that action will be taken against those who do so.

Additionally, on Sunday night, the Facebook page for ‘Road Police’ highlighted that the fare within Male’ City was MVR 25 and that between Hulhumale Phase 1 and 2, MVR 40 should be charged.

It also noted that between Hulhule and Male’ only MVR 60 can be charged, meanwhile only MVR 90 between Male’ and Hulhumale Phase 2 and MVR 75 for travel between Male’ and Hulhumale Phase 1.

The Police noted that these were the approved rates by the Transport Ministry, hence, charging more than that would be illegal.

Moreover, Police warned that action will be taken in accordance with the regulation against those who charge more than the set rates.

Police urged those who want to submit complaints regarding this issue, can do so by sending an SMS to 7943434.

Taxi drivers have been issuing concerns about over-controlled fares due to the increasing fuel prices. They say that after deducting for maintenances and fuel, there is not much remaining from their earnings.