A taxi driver in Goa allegedly harassed passengers using the GoaMiles app. The incident, which has been doing the rounds on social media, highlights the ongoing problem of inflated fares and forceful tactics employed by some local taxi operators in the popular beach destination.
GoaMiles Passenger Harassed By Taxi Driver
#Shocking! Taxi driver stops GoaMiles car with passengers inside, allegedly threaten them to cancel the ride which they paid Rs. 300 & instead take local taxi @ Rs. 1000!#Viral #GoaTourist #GoaBeach #Tourist pic.twitter.com/VL0sIuUkjt
— In Goa 24×7 (@InGoa24x7) April 5, 2024
Reports state the driver stopped a GoaMiles car midway through its journey, pressuring the passengers to cancel their pre-paid ride of ₹300. He then attempted to persuade them to take his local taxi for a considerably higher fare of ₹1,000. A video shared by the X (Formerly Twitter) handle of In Goa 24×7, has gone viral on social media, showing the driver engaged in a heated argument with the passengers, who resolutely refused to cancel their booked journey.
Such behaviour not only tarnishes Goa’s reputation as a welcoming destination but also discourages travellers from using app-based taxi services, which offer transparency and fixed fares. GoaMiles, in particular, was launched in 2018 to combat the very issue of inflated fares and provide a safe and reliable alternative for tourists.
Highlights Ongoing Tensions In Taxi Industry
Highlighting the ongoing issue of taxi harassment in Goa, this incident follows a similar one from 2018. Back then, a GoaMiles driver was allegedly targeted by a group of 10-15 taxi operators or drivers outside a luxury hotel in Arpora. This incident, reported by The Times of India, marked the first FIR filed by a GoaMiles driver against their competitor drivers, underlining the tensions present within the taxi industry.
Thankfully, GoaMiles offers options for passengers to report problematic drivers. Additionally, travellers can record the incident as evidence and consider alternative transport options like other GoaMiles cabs or ride-hailing services, if available.
Also Read: Pune RTO Declares 18 Taxi Aggregators Like Redbus &; MakeMyTrip Illegal In The City
This incident serves as a reminder for both tourists and the authorities. Tourists should be aware of their rights and utilise app-based services whenever possible. The Goa government and transport authorities, on the other hand, need to take stricter action against taxi drivers who resort to such strong-arm tactics to ensure a fair and pleasant experience for all visitors.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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