In Goa, a cab conundrum: Taxi operators raise the heat, govt urges them to join state-backed apps
The Goa tourism department has urged local taxi operators to 'integrate' with state-backed digital taxi platforms — Goa Taxi App and GoaMiles — to align with the government's broader vision to promote 'smart mobility, economic inclusion and a tourist-friendly environment through regulated and transparent services'.
The appeal comes in the wake of the government recently publishing draft guidelines to regulate app-based transport aggregators. Taxi unions have threatened to stage protests, saying the move would pave the way for the entry of private app-based taxi aggregators that could threaten their livelihood. On Monday, taxi operators queued outside the transport department office in Panaji and submitted their written objections to the draft guidelines.
In their objections, the taxi drivers demanded clarity on the structure of fares, stating that the entry of app-based taxi aggregators would 'monopolise' the transport sector and drive out local taxi operators. Some drivers demanded that the cab aggregators be restricted to providing basic pick-up and drop services and not be allowed to facilitate bookings for local sightseeing tours, event transportation, cruise bookings or other pre-arranged sightseeing activities. 'These segments are the backbone of our local tourism economy and directly support small businesses, guides and operators,' the taxi operators stated in a memorandum.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday said the guidelines were only at the draft stage. 'We have given one month's time to take everyone's opinion. We will take them (taxi operators) into confidence. If tomorrow, they say we want to come together under their own aggregator, I will not hesitate to even finance them. Let them operate it themselves. They are talking as if we are forcing something on them or are opposed to them. Ultimately, they are the biggest stakeholders. We will consult with them. They will have to fall in line. This is about streamlining the long-overdue taxi service system,' said Godinho.
In a statement on Tuesday, the tourism department said that as the state redefines its tourism identity through innovation and sustainability, regulated taxi services will play a key role in shaping positive travel experiences. 'The department of tourism reiterates its commitment to building a modern, inclusive tourism ecosystem where technology benefits all, from local drivers to global visitors,' it said.
Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said, 'We urge all Goan taxi brothers to come on board and make use of this free, government-supported platform (Goa Taxi App) that is designed especially to benefit them. It is not only about convenience for tourists, but about creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities for our local communities.'
The department said that GoaMiles, operated under the supervision of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), continues to be a trusted app-based aggregator. 'These platforms ensure fair compensation aligned with government-notified rates and promote service quality through digital ratings and real-time monitoring,' the statement said.
Meanwhile, a group of taxi operators met Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo on Tuesday to reiterate their demand to oppose the entry of app-based cab aggregators. During a heated discussion with the taxi operators, Michael Lobo assured them of his support and said aggregators from outside the state would not be allowed. However, he also said that 'everything should be online, including the market rate for taxis'.
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