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The Print
3 days ago
- Business
- The Print
‘What about Goanness?': Goa taxi drivers resist govt proposal to bring in app-based cabs
The fear is that the move will threaten the 'Goanness' of Goa's private transport industry, hurt the livelihoods of local taxi owners and flood the market with drivers from outside the state. While Goan taxi owners cite several technical objections to the entry of private app-based aggregators, at the heart of the argument is one key insecurity that is being voiced across multiple sectors in the state. Mumbai: Even as the summer recedes and the rain sets in, Goa is on the boil with the state's taxi drivers protesting against the Pramod Sawant-led government's plan of opening up the market for private app-based taxi aggregators. 'Goa's taxi drivers are the state's brand ambassadors. When tourists arrive, they first sit in the taxi from the airport. We are the first locals they interact with and we give them information on where to go, what to try, what to stay away from, etc,' Savio Valencio Goes, vice-president of North & South Goa Taxi Owners Association, told ThePrint. The overall fear is that Goa is being taken over by non-Goans everywhere, whether it is the staff that works in the state's hotels and resorts, or at restaurants and shacks. 'If all jobs are done by non-Goans, then what is the Goa that the tourists will experience?' asked Goes. The Goa government last month published draft guidelines on enabling the entry of private app-based taxi aggregators in the state. While taxi drivers in Goa have staunchly resisted the idea, tourists have often complained about Goa's taxi drivers overcharging them, not being available at all times and so on. This April, a video of a tourist slamming Goa's cab drivers as 'mafia' had gone viral on social media platforms, after which the taxi union leaders filed a police complaint objecting to the remark. The state's guidelines lay down a regulatory framework for private app-based taxi aggregators, listing the licensing fees, the tariffs, the kind of vehicles and drivers they can onboard, the fare to be received by the taxi owner, and so on. The North & South Goa Taxi Owners Association has called upon all the 23,000-24,000 taxi drivers of the state to submit their objections to the draft rules. The Goa government, meanwhile, has called upon private taxi drivers to join the two government-supported taxi aggregators that are already functional in Goa—Goa Miles and Goa Taxi app. 'We don't mind joining them, but there is absolutely no transparency. And there are basic issues that come up in the functioning of app-based aggregators,' Goes said. Speaking to reporters in Goa Monday, state transport minister Mauvin Godinho said: 'This is just a draft notification. We will take all stakeholders in confidence. We are having consultations with different bodies of industry, the tourism sector, the common man. We have given everyone one month to take feedback. It is not that the guidelines are final.' Also Read: Goa's resentment toward outsiders and settlers is rising. Calangute tourist tax is a sign The many objections The foremost concern of local taxi drivers over the new draft guidelines of the Goa government is that none of them was called as stakeholders in discussions that were held in the run up to the formation of the draft. In the memorandum of objections that the drivers are submitting to the Goa transport department, they call themselves the 'primary stakeholders of Goa's transport business'. 'Our practical experience and insights into the local transport landscape are invaluable, and their omission has resulted in a document that appears to overlook the ground realities and welfare of existing operators,' the memorandum, seen by ThePrint, says. It adds that large cab aggregator companies will have vast resources and aggressive market strategies. They fear that these companies could easily monopolise the transport sector and drive out local operators. 'This would lead to a significant loss of income and employment for Goan families,' the memorandum adds. It further suggests that the role of aggregators should be limited to pick-up and drop facilities in Goa, and they should not be permitted to enter the area of tourism services. These include facilitating bookings for local sightseeing tours, transporting to and from events, spice plantation visits, cruise bookings and so on. The memorandum also says that app-based services will not work in Goa because the state lacks the supporting infrastructure in many places. At several tourist spots, it states, there is inconsistent and poor cellular phone network. Tourists will have trouble finding a cab, and drivers too might be unwilling to ply to such destinations. 'Mandating a system heavily reliant on smartphone applications will disproportionately disadvantage both taxi operators and tourists in these areas,' the memorandum adds. Finally, it says that the guidelines are not transparent regarding fare structure for aggregators. It asserts that the current fare structure for private taxis is also outdated and needs to be revised keeping in mind the increase in petrol and diesel prices. Anand Naik, a taxi driver based in Vasco da Gama, told ThePrint that most Goans have their own cars and two-wheelers and don't need taxis. It is the tourists who do. 'If the tourists start using aggregator services, what will happen to Goans like us who have been driving taxis for generations?' Naik asked. He said that aggregator services may not be feasible in Goa as a lot of journeys are one way. Drivers would have to return to their main stand without a fare, he explained. State's guidelines for app-based aggregators In 2018, the Goa government had launched the Goa Miles cab aggregator service in collaboration with a private company. In 2023, it also launched the Goa Taxi app that allows people to book cabs online to travel anywhere in the state. Private taxi operators say that only a handful—about 2,000 to 3,000 taxi owners—have come on board these two platforms. The new draft guidelines, published on 20 May this year, aim to smoothen the entry of private companies in the app-based transport aggregator business too. The guidelines state that only companies which have obtained a valid licence from the Goa government can operate in the state. The aggregator should also either have a registered office in Goa or have a registered office somewhere in India, and a branch in Goa. The aggregator further has to ensure health insurance for drivers of not less than Rs 10 lakh with a 5 percent increase every year. According to the guidelines, the aggregator has to ensure that the cab owner receives at least the fare that has been prescribed by the government and not make any deductions from it. Moreover, the fare has to be settled with the taxi owner within 72 hours. In case the aggregator fails to settle the dues within the prescribed time frame, the company will have to shell out 25 percent of the dues as penalty for every day of delay. The guidelines also provide for a grievance redressal mechanism. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: The real problem to Goa tourism isn't from social media. Sea view homes are killing mangroves
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
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'.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
App guidelines spur 1.7k feedback letters
Panaji: The directorate of transport has received 1,750 letters of objection and suggestions in response to the recently notified Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. 'Govt will consider all feedback before finalising the regulations,' said the director of transport, Pravimal Abhishek. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A recurring theme in the letters was that the scope of aggregators should be limited strictly to point-to-point pickup and drop services. They should not be allowed to operate or facilitate bookings for local sightseeing tours, event transportation, cruise bookings, and other specialised services traditionally handled by local operators. Some drivers also pointed to practical challenges, such as poor mobile network coverage in certain areas and limited digital literacy among a segment of the workforce. Others raised the need to revise the fare structure in the future in tandem with the increasing fuel costs. Some drivers, however, expressed support for govt's initiative. On Tuesday, the department of tourism called upon local taxi operators to integrate with state-backed digital taxi platforms such as the Goa Taxi App and GoaMiles. Both apps facilitated 70,000+ rides and onboarded 1,000+ drivers within just over a year, the director of tourism, Kedar Naik, said. 'We urge all Goan taxi brothers to come onboard and make use of this free, govt-supported platform designed to benefit them,' he said.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
App-based taxis in Goa: Will they finally hit the road?
In a significant move, the Goa state government has introduced draft guidelines to regulate app-based taxi services, potentially paving the way for private aggregators to operate in the state. This development has sparked strong opposition from local taxi unions, who fear that the entry of such platforms could threaten their livelihoods. The proposed "Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025," which were released on May 20, provide a framework for regulations governing bike taxi and app-based taxi services. Mandatory health insurance for drivers, set tariffs, and licensing costs are important clauses. According to the criteria, aggregators are required to guarantee that drivers receive the entire fare prescribed by the government, without any deductions, and that payments are fulfilled within 72 hours. For aggregators that hire female drivers, incentives like insurance reimbursements and waivers of renewal fees are also suggested. Read more: US announces visa ban policy to combat foreign censorship: Key details and who will be affected Tourists have long criticised Goa's taxi services for arbitrary and high fares. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The introduction of app-based services is seen by many as a means to bring transparency and competitive pricing to the market. Local taxi unions counter that these services would attract drivers from other states, which would hurt local businesses. "We will not allow these aggregators to come in," said a representative of the All Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, who voiced concerns about job losses and the possible loss of local identity. He added that they might come out on the streets and protest. While the state-backed app-based service GoaMiles was launched in 2018, its reach and impact have been limited. The current draft guidelines are open for public feedback for 30 days from the date of publication. Read more: Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the US every traveller should visit According to a government official, the recommendations are designed to strike a compromise between safeguarding the interests of local drivers and the convenience of app-based services. However, the ultimate result of the discussion will rely on the input obtained and the government's capacity to address the concerns of all parties concerned. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Goa taxi unions oppose app aggregator guidelines
Panaji: Both North and South Goa taxi unions have voiced their firm opposition to the newly drafted Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, arguing that govt's push for app-based services would affect their livelihoods. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The draft guidelines, published on Wednesday, speak of regulating ride-hailing services and allowing taxi drivers to operate through any aggregator app of their choice using govt-notified rates. 'We clearly communicated to the transport department that having an app-based service in Goa is not practical for us,' said a taxi operator. 'Govt's goal appears to be privatising the taxi sector, but we want to continue working individually. This is our business, and we are not willing to hand it over to govt.' The unions argue that the introduction of multiple apps could lead to further tensions surrounding the existing GoaMiles app, which was launched by state govt some years ago. 'There is already so much conflict due to the GoaMiles app, and now govt plans to introduce multiple apps. This will only worsen the situation,' said another operator. 'Govt has already privatised sectors like hotels, railways, and airports, but we will not let our taxis suffer the same fate. We refuse to join app-based aggregators.'
