The Transport Ministry has said it would take action against taxi centers if taxi fares are raised without permission.
Taxi Centers on Sunday said the current surge in oil prices is causing losses to both the centers and their drivers. Therefore, the centers will be raising taxi fares effective from March 10, with or without ministry approval, they had said.
Speaking to AVAS, the Transport Ministry's Deputy Minister Shimaz Ali said while the ministry has approved certain fares for taxis, if any party charges above the approved rates, action will be taken against them as per rules and regulations, he said.
According to taxi service regulations, offenders will be advised and warned if regulations are violated. The first offense would carry an MVR 500 fine, while a second offense carries an MVR 1,000 fine. If further offenses are committed, the ministry has the authority to seize their licenses.
Taxi centers have granted 24 hours for taxi drivers to express their opinion on the new fares set by the taxi centers. If the drivers agree to raise prices, the new fares will be sent to the Transport Ministry in writing within two days, with the signature and seal from taxi centers.
The new fares proposed by taxi centers:
Rides within Male' City: MVR 30
Rides within Hulhumale' Phase II: MVR 25
Rides within Hulhumale' Phase I: MVR 25
Rides between Hulhumale' Phase I and Phase II: MVR 40
Rides between Hulhumale' Phase II and Male': MVR 120
Rides between Hulhumale' Phase I and Male': MVR 100
Rides between Hulhule Airport and Male': MVR 80
Rides between Hulhule Airport and Hulhumale': MVR 80
Rides between Hulhule Airport Seaplane Terminal and Male': MVR 100
Rides between Hulhule Airport Seaplane Terminal and Hulhumale' Phase I: MVR 100
Rides between Hulhule Airport Seaplane Terminal and Hulhumale' Phase II: MVR 120
An extra charge of MVR 5 will be applicable for rides after 0000 hrs.
The taxi fares set by the Transport Ministry are:
Rides within Male': MVR 25
Rides within Hulhumale': MVR 25
Rides between Male' and Hulhule: MVR 60
Rides between Hulhumale' and Hulhule: MVR 60
Rides between Male' and Hulhumale': MVR 75
