The Government has amended taxi regulations to make operations easier for drivers and improve service quality for passengers, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said on Wednesday.

Key changes include reducing the minimum requirement to register a taxi centre from 100 vehicles and drivers to 50, a move aimed at encouraging new taxi centres, increasing competition, and raising service standards. The revised rules also allow licensed taxi drivers to register with and operate under more than one taxi centre at the same time, providing greater earning opportunities.

Under the amendments, taxi services operating through online portals or mobile applications must obtain special permission from the Ministry to enhance passenger safety.

The changes follow President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to address concerns raised by taxi drivers. As part of this effort, the Government is preparing to launch a state-operated taxi line, which will initially run with 100 vehicles. Interviews for prospective drivers have already been conducted.

The Government said easing congestion and improving traffic flow remain central to its road transport initiatives, with further discussions and measures underway to address urban traffic conditions.