The news that GTDC is near to launching an app that will help commuters and tourists link to taxis is a welcome surprise.
While it is too early to celebrate anything, given that nothing has started yet and the GTDC is sure to encounter several problems along the way, it is a positive sign that the GTDC is close to launching an app that many sceptics had argued would never take off given the government’s record in these things.
When the government and specifically Nilesh Cabral announced that the government would not allow Ola and Uber to operate in Goa, despite the demands and a very popular online petition to have app-based cab aggregators in Goa, the reaction was predictably sceptical from those campaigning for a taxi revolution in Goa. The common refrain was that the government would be wasting the taxpayers’ money and resources on the efforts when it should instead focus on regulation, vision and development only and not in something that should be handled by private enterprise.
They pointed to the GTDC’s earlier initiative of the all women’s taxi project which was started with much fanfare but is not as popular as it should have been. Others pointed out that the taxi operators would in no way allow such an app be to be functional and effective even if the government does indeed launch one and just as they raised a hue and cry over speed governors, the taxi operators would use any flimsy excuse to scuttle the app as such an app would threaten their profits and margins and the system where they can charge an arbitrary fee and get away with it.
All of these concerns continue to remain valid. Even if the GTDC takes on board local taxi operators and even if all the app does is give the existing taxi operators an additional means to solicit potential customers, it won’t deter the taxi unions from protesting against it even if most of the taxi operators are willing to come on board. It will test the resolve, mettle as well as the political will of this government to see this through. It is more than just a matter of getting the right technology and putting it in place, but ensuring that the app gives the tourist or local an experience that he can take back.
Ola and Uber are not perfect, but they are successful because of their ability to market the app and bring it to the commuter by making the overall user experience one that is seamless and with minimal glitches and most importantly safe for commuters. This includes ensuring that a taxi operator does not drop their passengers off midway and leave them stranded or argue with them to pay up more money during the journey. Can the GTDC do the same?
