Tourist taxi issues have once again resurfaced. Earlier in the week, a female tourist from Lucknow narrated her story of harassment outside a resort at Varca and had to seek the help of Colva police to wriggle out of an uncomfortable situation after her taxi was stalled due to jurisdiction issues flagged by traditional taxi operators at the site.
On Thursday, tourist taxi operators from the Salcete coastal belt appealed to the Colva police to investigate the operations of the online taxi aggregators, protect the rights and livelihoods of local taxi operators, and maintain peace and order at hotel premises. They alleged “unauthorised pick-ups” by online taxi aggregators at hotels in South Goa. “The practice of unauthorised pick-ups by online taxi aggregators is rapidly escalating and is causing significant distress to our local taxi operator community,” they said.
The incident once again highlights the pressing need for the State government to address the long-standing issues plaguing the tourism transport sector. From harassment outside hotels to illegal operations by online aggregators and unauthorized stand operators, the challenges are multifaceted and continue to threaten the very foundation of tourism. Time and again, there are viral videos of tourists narrating their stories of trauma and discomfort of travelling by taxis. From tourists being forced to alight and made to walk with their luggage to traditional taxi operators engaging in heated arguments, the tourist transport segment continues to be a saga of embarrassment that tarnishes Goa’s image as a welcoming destination.
While the taxi issue remains in a limbo, the aggregator encroaching into hotel territory demarcated for traditional taxi operators who have a designated stand at the premises would be unfair in business terms. The traditional taxis have been in an informal agreement with resorts and hotels for decades. App-based taxi services coming over and picking up customers would mean that they are left high and dry without business. Unauthorised pick-ups should not be allowed.
Moreover, the government should expedite the formulation and enforcement of a comprehensive taxi policy that recognizes and regulates online aggregators. Clear guidelines must be set requiring these operators to obtain permits, display badges, and follow safety and conduct standards. This will level the playing field, protect local livelihoods, and reduce confrontations at hotel premises.
Furthermore, the illegal entry of outsiders into the taxi business, as highlighted by incidents involving unlicensed drivers with questionable documents, calls for stricter vetting and verification procedures. The government must ensure that only qualified, properly documented drivers operate tourist taxis. This could involve cross-verifying driver credentials, domicile certificates, and vehicle permits. Such measures will curb illegal entries and ensure that tourists are served by licensed, accountable drivers, thereby enhancing safety.
There are issues on the rent-a-car segment too. Recently, Superintendent of Police Gurudas Kadam convened a meeting with rent-a-car operators at the Dabolim Airport police station and issued a stern warning following multiple complaints from tourists alleging instances of overcharging and extortion. The SP mentioned that there has been an increasing number of complaints reported by tourists on discretionary pricing. Operators were directed to adhere strictly to guidelines and ensure that all dealings with customers remain fair and transparent.
Tourism is Goa’s lifeline, and the government’s efforts must reflect its importance. There is no word about the taxi policy or the aggregator rules after the Assembly session concluded abruptly. The longer we wait for a policy, the longer it will hurt Goa as a tourism destination. And things are not getting any better with the delay; the State continues to earn a bad name due to an informal taxi transport system. The government must prioritise the resolution of the vexed issue and settle it immediately.
