Latest news with #GoaTransportAggregatorGuidelines
Time of India
4 days ago
- 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
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
In Goa, app-based taxis might finally make an entry — and local cabbies aren't happy
Days after Goa government published draft guidelines to regulate app-based transport aggregators, taxi unions across the state have threatened to stage protests saying the move will pave the way for entry of private app-based taxi aggregators into the coastal state and threaten their livelihood. The draft guidelines 'Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025' outline a regulatory framework for app-based taxi and bike taxi operators — including licencing fee, tariffs and incentives. For years, tourists visiting the state have complained that the privately-owned tourist taxis in Goa charge 'extortionate' and 'arbitrary' rates and fleece them. According to the government, the draft guidelines published in the Official Gazette on May 20 will be taken into consideration on the expiry of 30 days from the date of publication in the Gazette. Any objection to the guidelines may be sent to the transport department during the interim period. The guidelines state that an aggregator should on-board only drivers with a valid PSV (private service vehicle) badge and that they 'shall not prevent or disincentivise the driver to on-board with multiple aggregators'. Additionally, an aggregator must ensure a health insurance for at least Rs 10 lakh with financial year 2025-26 as base year and an increment of 5 percent each year. For female drivers, the health insurance shall extend to their parents and children. Crucially, the guidelines state that the aggregator shall 'guarantee that the owner receives at least the fare as prescribed by the government for every journey completed by the passenger'. 'The aggregator shall not make any deductions whatsoever from the fare receivable by the owner… The aggregator shall ensure that all the payments to the owner are settled within 72 hours from the completion of the journey,' it adds. The draft guidelines also list some incentives for aggregators from the government, including a 100 percent waiver of renewal fee if 20 percent of the fleet is driven by female drivers at the time of renewal and a full reimbursement of annual insurance premium paid or Rs 30,000 to the owner of a female driven vehicle that complete 500 trips on apps in a year. Unlicenced operations or violation of licence conditions shall result in a penalty of Rs 50 lakh and blacklisting of the person or aggregator. A violation of fare regulations may result in a penalty of Rs 5 lakh for each instance. According to tourists, the entry of app-based taxi aggregators would bring in competitive pricing, ensure considerably lower fares and help in regulating the taxi market, which is controlled by 'powerful' taxi unions. The local taxi unions have, however, opposed any such moves, saying the private app-based taxi operators would open the floodgates for 'outsiders' from neighbouring states to come, resulting in job losses for local Goan drivers and taxi owners. In 2018, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation launched a state government-backed app-based taxi service – GoaMiles – which was the state's first app-based service. A government official, requesting anonymity, said the draft guidelines will be refined 'based on the suggestions that are received'. 'The guidelines are aimed at facilitating app-based convenience for locals and tourists, improving mobility and access to reliable taxi services and at the same time protecting the interests of local drivers,' he said. But taxi unions have objected to it saying the private app-based taxi aggregators are more suited for metropolitan cities where the volume of traffic is high and proper infrastructure is available to integrate services. 'Goa has a small population and vehicle ownership per capita is high. Our jobs are dependent on tourists, especially in the coastal beach belt. For an app-based service, there will be no demand in the mining belt or hinterland areas. These app-based aggregators will flood the market with a large fleet and onboard drivers from other states and drive us out. The traditional businesses, whether shacks or taxis, must stay in the hands of locals,' Yogesh Govekar, a driver and a member of an umbrella union, the All Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, told The Indian Express. 'We will not allow these aggregators to come in. We will come out on the streets and protest. It is a question of our identity and livelihood,' he said. Sunil Naik, President of the North and South Goa Taxi Owners Association, told the media: 'These guidelines are not acceptable to us. They are not properly defined and create a perception that people from across the country will come here and start operating taxis. We are self-made people who have grown up and built our businesses. We are not going to give that all up and start working for a corporation'. A spokesperson for Uber said: 'We believe tourists as much as locals in Goa deserve more mobility choices, and there is already strong existing demand for reliable ride options in the state. This regulatory update makes it possible for platforms like Uber to serve that demand more effectively and responsibly. As we review the draft guidelines in detail, we will submit our formal comments and continue collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the final framework delivers long-term value for riders, drivers, and Goa's tourism-led economy'.
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.'
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
‘Cabbies allowed to operate through any aggregator app'
Panaji: Govt notified the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines , 2025, on Tuesday. The draft guidelines, aimed at regulating ride-hailing services, will allow taxi drivers to operate through any aggregator app of their choice using govt-notified rates, comply with safety and fare regulations, and offer health insurance to drivers. According to the notification, the passenger shall be charged a tariff for a minimum of 3km for every journey booked on the aggregator app. The aggregator shall guarantee that the owner receives at least the fare as prescribed by govt for every journey. 'The aggregator shall not make any deductions from the fare receivable by the owner and ensure that all the payments to the owner are settled within 72 hours from the completion of the journey,' the notification reads. Aggregators shall be required to submit annual compliance reports to the transport department before 30 working days after the end of the year. Unlicensed operations or violation of licence conditions shall result in a penalty of Rs 50,00,000 and blacklisting of the person or aggregator. Violation of fare regulations may result in a penalty of Rs 5,00,000 per instance. 'The transport department shall oversee the implementation of the guidelines through regular audits and inspections,' the notification reads. Govt has rolled out a series of incentives to encourage vehicle owners to join aggregator apps, with a special focus on promoting female participation in the industry. One of the standout initiatives is the reimbursement of insurance premiums for vehicle owners who meet certain milestones. For those who complete 500 trips on aggregator apps in a year, govt will cover 50% of the insurance premium paid, with a cap of Rs 20,000. If a female driver completes 500 trips in a year, she will be eligible for 100% reimbursement of the insurance premium paid, up to a maximum of Rs 30,000. In electric vehicles, female owner-cum-drivers can avail themselves of a Rs 1,00,000 subsidy when purchasing a new electric motor cab. For those opting for electric motorbikes or electric autorickshaws, govt is offering a Rs 20,000 subsidy. Govt has also extended its support to the aggregator companies, as aggregators that have at least 20% of their fleet driven by female drivers will be eligible for a 100% waiver on the renewal fee.
