Traditional operators allege govt bias towards private aggregators, say inputs ignored
PANAJI
The yellow-black and tourist taxi operators have strongly opposed the state government's new draft policy for regulating app-based taxi services, arguing the plan is unfair and will destroy their traditional taxi business.
The draft guidelines from the Transport Department propose a heavy fine of Rs 50 lakh for operating without a license or breaking license rules. Aggregators who break the rules can also be blacklisted. The policy also includes several incentives for taxi drivers and owners who join these app-based platforms, especially for women drivers. However, the incentives have not convinced the unions.
“The government wants to bring private players and finish our traditional business. They have already privatised airport, hotels and other services. Now they want to do the same for the taxi business too. We will not allow it,” President of the North and South Goa Taxi Unions Sunil Naik said, speaking to The Goan.
The unions have resolved to file a written objection within the period set by the department, and also move the High Court of Bombay at Goa, if needed, to challenge the proposed guidelines.
Taxi operators said they were called for meetings during the drafting process, but their objections were ignored. “We opposed the idea during the meetings. So why has the government proceeded and notified the draft,” union member Antonio D’Souza questioned.
Naik said the union had suggested some changes to the Transport officers wherein the government could try a three-month trial with equal fares for both traditional taxis and app-based cabs. They also sought to lower the existing notified rates for their services.
“But none of their suggestions were heeded. Our fares are already set by the government. So why all this drama?” Naik said.
When asked about complaints that local taxi operators charge inflated fares and drivers are arrogant, the union leaders denied the allegations stating they follow the rules, such as waiting in queues at railway stations and paying parking fees.
“We stand in a queue from early morning for passengers. Aggregators come, pick up customers and go without paying fees or waiting just the way we do. How is that fair?” another union member said.
To this, Naik added that taxi drivers are upset because app cabs are taking away their customers, even though traditional drivers work much harder.
“Although the government shows perks in joining the app, we are not interested. We want to keep doing business the old way,” he added.
Former President of the North Goa Tourist Taxi Association Vinayak Nanoskar also criticised the aggregator model stating that it is not transparent and that drivers are forced to pay extra money for each trip, especially from the airport.
“Drivers have to pay Rs 150 to Rs 200 per trip from Manohar International Airport, from their own pocket. Why has the government not spoken about this? What is the benefit of joining such a system?” he asked. “The counter for these cabbies also came at a whopping cost. These private players are looting us and the government is encouraging their entry into our businesses.”
