Cycle taxi services has begun in Male’, with Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed starting the service.

Scootseen company’s Mohamed Bassaam Adam said test rides will be carried out for two weeks starting Sunday. He said 15 female drivers and 15 male drivers will be testing the bikes for the period, after which the service will be open to general public. Each ride is priced at MVR 10. He said that customers will be able to access their services from the 8080 number.

Bassaam said the MVR 10 charge was an introductory one, adding they will soon fix meters on the cycles for distance based charging. He also announced that a mobile application will be launched for the service as well.

The drivers will be equipped with an orange jacket, with special flaps for passengers to grip. He said the jackets will leave room for passengers to sit comfortably on the cycle.

Speaking in the opening ceremony, Minister Saeed said the launch of cycle taxi services will open new employment opportunities for youth. He also said the Government intends to expand this service across the country.