The government has expanded its eco-friendly Male' Taxi Line service to Vilimalé as part of broader efforts to improve public transportation across the Greater Malé region.
Male' Taxi Line, introduced under an initiative of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, was launched to address long-standing difficulties faced by residents in securing taxi services, particularly during peak hours, adverse weather and late-night periods.
Since its launch in Malé in April this year, the government says the service has attracted a growing number of users and helped ease transportation challenges experienced by commuters.
As part of plans to expand the initiative beyond the capital, the government has decided to introduce the service in both Addu City and Vilimalé. The Vilimalé service has now officially commenced operations with four vehicles.
Although Vilimalé is already served by a public bus network, residents have noted that some roads are too narrow for buses to access. As a result, passengers often have to walk considerable distances to reach bus stops.
The introduction of the Male' Taxi Line service is expected to improve accessibility by providing transport to locations that are not easily reached by buses.
Residents have welcomed the launch, describing it as a long-awaited service that will provide greater convenience for daily travel.
Many highlighted the benefits the service will offer to elderly residents, patients and families travelling with young children.
“This is a very important service. Something we desperately needed has finally been fulfilled. Carrying luggage and large items used to be very difficult. This will make things significantly easier,” a Vilimalé resident told PSM News.
According to the government, the Male' Taxi Line operates using a fully electric fleet, making it a 100% environmentally friendly transport service.
The service operates 24 hours a day and includes vehicles of three different sizes to accommodate varying passenger needs. To support the initiative, 150 electric vehicles have been imported for operations in the Greater Malé area. The vehicles were supplied by Changan Automobile.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) said special consideration was given during the procurement process to ensure the selected vehicles were suitable for the narrow streets and road conditions of Malé and surrounding islands.