Goa’s taxi service situation isn’t up to the mark, according to the travellers. In addition, it is expensive too. But now, some good news is coming on the way. As Goa’s tourist season officially begins in the first week of October, the state will soon enjoy app-based taxi services.
Yes, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated on Wednesday that his government has decided to introduce an app-based taxi service to the coastal country. App-based taxis will be available soon by November.
Two months ago, Goa’s Minister of Transport Mauvin Godinho said the state government was working to roll out an app-based taxi service. And private taxis would not bow to opposition pressure from the lobby.
The state’s local private taxi association has opposed the introduction of app-based taxis in Goa. As they claim, it will severely impact businesses and can even destabilise their industry.
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Private Taxi Companies Are Opposing App-Based Taxi Services
Instead of allowing Ola and Uber to operate in Goa, the government initially created its own service, called GoaMiles. But this led to a collision between local taxi drivers and GoaMiles taxi drivers. Because this influx of taxi services might increase competition and adversely affect people’s livelihoods.
Although attempts to resolve ongoing disputes between local taxi companies and state-owned app-only taxi service GoaMiles are still on.
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In the state assembly, CM Pramod Sawant said “The government gave the taxi owners ₹11,000 as a full subsidy for the taxi meter, but they are not using it. They also cheat tourists.”
Taxi owners, on the other hand, have their own frustrations. They say the gauges are often wrong and some don’t work at all.
However, Goa’s chief minister believes that this issue will be resolved in a few days.
Cover image courtesy: Unsplash
First Published: September 29, 2022 2:51 PM