Minister Saeed to Review Taxi Fares Following Stakeholder and Cabinet Consultations

Taxi fares in the Maldives will undergo a comprehensive review following consultations with industry stakeholders and Cabinet members, announced Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed. The move comes in response to mounting pressure from taxi drivers facing rising operational costs. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Saeed acknowledged receiving numerous appeals from drivers since taking over the transport portfolio. The primary driver for the request is the surge in global fuel prices, triggered by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which has directly increased the cost of operating vehicles across the archipelago. While acknowledging the drivers' concerns, the Minister emphasized that any adjustment to the fare structure would not be unilateral. He stated that a formal decision will only be reached after detailed discussions with taxi centers, drivers, and the Cabinet to ensure a balanced outcome for both service providers and the public. Beyond pricing, Minister Saeed highlighted the strategic benefits of merging the Economic and Transport ministries. He argued that this integration is essential for identifying systemic challenges and improving overall sectoral management. A key priority will be the digitalization of transport services to eliminate bureaucratic delays. To illustrate the current inefficiency, the Minister pointed to the vehicle registration process. Currently, registering a four-wheeled vehicle can take between 20 days in the best-case scenario and up to three months in others. He stressed that the government must find a more efficient, digital-led approach to streamline these essential services. Furthermore, the Minister noted the urgent need to ratify updated transport regulations and legislation. This legal framework is intended to ensure that all transport procedures are carried out according to established guidelines, reducing ambiguity in approvals. Minister Saeed concluded by announcing plans for a national assessment of the transport sector. This will involve extensive consultations with local councils and stakeholders across various cities in the Maldives to ensure that regional concerns are addressed in the broader reform strategy.