Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has declared the final taxi fees to be applied in Male' Region. Following the changes, the taxi fees of Male', Hulhule and Hulhumale' have been reduced.
According to the final rates, the highest fair of a ride between Male' and Hulhumale' should not exceed USD 4.87 and a ride from Male' to Hulhule' and Hulhule' to Hulhumale' should not exceed USD 3.90. The ministry also decided not to change the fees of rides within Male' and Hulhumale'. Moreover, the ministry prohibited to take extra charges for luggage. Transport ministry said the new prices will be effective from August 7 onwards.
In a statement informing of the fee changes, the ministry noted the allocated prices will be beneficial to both customers and drivers. Furthermore, the ministry has granted permission to 3 mobile applications to provide taxi services, which are Avas Ride, E' aee and Pick Me.
All taxis are required to use one of the three applications when providing services. From August onwards, the ministry has given the taxis a period of two months to register in the applications and to provide the services without interruptions.
The transport ministry has also decided to grant permission for individuals to operate as private hires without the use of taxi boards. The private hires are also required to register at transport authority under an application.
Reducing the taxi fees and promoting the use of mobile taxi applications were one of the initial tasks begun by the ministry.