Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Aishath Nahula has revealed that five parties have shown interest to establish taxi meters, including three companies from Sri Lanka.

The Minister's statement came during a press conference held on Monday.

She revealed that while 21 parties were keen about the application for taxi meter, only five parties responded to the Ministry's announcement and submitted proposals for the work.

Minister Nahula highlighted that prices for taxis have also been fixed and added that they will be revealed with the application for taxi meter.

The Minister explained that the delay in revealing the price was due to their works of making sure that a large number of people and their concerns were heard and attended to, in finalising the pricing. She further added that the meters will be put to use by the end of the month hopefully.

Minister Nahula asserted that the taxi meter application is being developed specifically to cater to the Maldivian audience and added that the necessary agreements will be signed by the end of the month. More than one party will be awarded to operate the taxi meter application in a bid to create a competitive environment as well.

Taxi fares have been a great concern of the general public for a long time. The government had previously tried to control the fares between Male-Hulhumale and Male-Hulhule journeys, to no avail.