The government has announced that its forthcoming state-run taxi service will extend to the island of Vilimalé, a move designed to modernise urban transit and standardise accessibility across the capital’s surrounding islands.
Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, confirmed the expansion during a foundation-laying ceremony for a 300-flat housing project financed by the Bank of Maldives. The transport initiative is intended to streamline the hailing process for residents while significantly elevating the overarching quality of regional public transportation.
Once the network officially launches, a dedicated fleet of five vehicles will be assigned to serve the Vilimalé community exclusively. "When the Malé taxi line service, which the government is presently preparing to inaugurate, officially commences, five of these designated taxis will be deployed to this island to serve its residents," Minister Muththalib stated.
"Because these vehicles are fully electric," Minister Muththalib explained, "there is absolutely no doubt that they will play an instrumental role in preserving the local environment, enhancing the convenience of our citizens, and fostering the continued development of the island."
The 24-hour service is scheduled to commence operations on 2 April via a bespoke mobile application. The fleet will consist of 150 environmentally friendly vehicles from the Changan Automobile brand, featuring three distinct sizes. While 60 vehicles have arrived in Malé, the remaining 90 are projected to reach the country by 29 March. The administration expressed confidence that the network will usher in a transformative shift across the entire public transportation sector.