Changes to taxi fares: Extra charges for domestic terminal and luggage exceeding 3

Transport Ministry has published a new regulation after bringing changes to taxi fares in the greater Male’ area.

The new regulation published on Tuesday sets out taxi fares for vehicles with seven seats to 10 seats for the first time. It also states extra will be charged for trips to the domestic terminal. Meanwhile, an additional fee will be charged for every luggage exceeding three.

As per the Ministry, the new regulation will come into force next Monday,

New Taxi Fares

• Vehicles with less than six seats

Within zone (intra-travel within Male’, Hulhumale’ Phase 1, Hulhumale’ Phase II) – MVR 30

From Male’

From Male’ to Hulhumale’ Phase I – MVR 85

From Male’ to Hulhumale’ Phase II – MVR 100

From Male’ to airport – MVR 70

From Hulhumale’ Phase I

From Hulhumale’ Phase I to Male’ – MVR 85

From Hulhumale’ Phase I to Hulhumale’ Phase II – MVR 40

From Hulhumale’ Phase I to airport – MVR 80

From Hulhumale’ Phase II

From Hulhumale’ Phase II to Male’ – MVR 100

From Hulhumale’ Phase II to Hulhumale’ Phase I – MVR 40

From Hulhumale’ Phase II to airport – MVR 85

From airport

From airport to Male’ – MVR 70

From airport to Hulhumale’ Phase I – MVR 80

From airport to Hulhumale’ Phase II – MVR 85

• Vehicles with 7 to 10 seats

Within zone (intra-travel within Male’, Hulhumale’ Phase 1, Hulhumale’ Phase II) – MVR 45

From Male’

From Male’ to Hulhumale’ Phase I – MVR 130

From Male’ to Hulhumale’ Phase II – MVR 155

From Male’ to airport – MVR 110

From Hulhumale’ Phase I

From Hulhumale’ Phase I to Male’ – MVR 130

From Hulhumale’ Phase I to Hulhumale’ Phase II – MVR 60

From Hulhumale’ Phase I to airport – MVR 125

From Hulhumale’ Phase II

From Hulhumale’ Phase II to Male’ – MVR 155

From Hulhumale’ Phase II to Hulhumale’ Phase I – MVR 60

From Hulhumale’ Phase II to airport – MVR 130

From airport

From airport to Male’ – MVR 110

From airport to Hulhumale’ Phase I – MVR 125

From airport to Hulhumale’ Phase II – MVR 130

Domestic terminal

Vehicles with less than six seats – MVR 10 extra to the declared fare for the distance

Vehicles with seven seats to 10 seats – MVR 15 extra to the declared fare for the distance 

An extra MVR 5 will be charged for each luggage exceeding three.

Speaking to Sun regarding the new regulation, an official from Transport Ministry cited the biggest issue related to taxi fares as the fact the taxi fares had previously not been declared for vehicles with seven to 10 seats.

The official said the fares set out in the new regulation were declared following discussions between the Ministry’s officials and stakeholders. The fares were set in consideration of the traveling distance and petrol expenses in addition to the interests of taxi drivers and members of the general public attaining taxi service.

Transport Ministry said they are keeping a close watch on whether taxi drivers charge customers the correct fares in collaboration with Maldives Police Service. The Ministry also said a billboard specifying the correct fares will be installed at Velana International Airport (VIA) by collaborating with Maldives Airports Company Limited.

Taxi drivers charging fares excessive to the rates declared by the Transport Ministry is a prevalent issue in the Maldives that is of great concern to consumers.