Efforts are underway to resolve issues pertaining to the main airport, Velana International Airport (VIA)'s taxi queue.
It has become common practice for drivers to overcharge customers, pick up extra passengers mid-route, and refuse service to certain destinations.
In response to numerous public complaints, the Transport Ministry convened a meeting with the Homeland Security Ministry, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and the police to formulate strategies for resolving the problem.
The Transport Ministry has now delegated the VIA taxi queue management to Maldives Police Service and empowered the police to take action against drivers who charge higher fares than the fares approved by the ministry, and drivers who pick up additional passengers on an ongoing journey.
The Transport Ministry recently set up an online system to submit taxi-related complaints and formed a special committee to look into the complaints. The ministry reassured the public that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action would be taken.
The ministry said it has developed a plan to manage airport taxis to resolve the problem which is already being put into practice. Strict action will be taken against any foreigner who drives taxis as well, the ministry warned.
