The Goa government’s draft Taxi Aggregator Guidelines 2025 promise to bring transparency and tech-driven efficiency to the State’s fragmented transport sector. But the proposal has triggered backlash from traditional taxi operators fearing displacement. 'The Goan' dives deep into the debate shaping the future of mobility in the State
PANAJI
Goa’s once-powerful tourist taxi unions have found themselves unexpectedly isolated. The State government, long accused of yielding to pressure from these groups, has quietly but decisively moved forward with a plan to begin the process of launching full-fledged app-based taxi services in the State.
The surprise comes not just from the government’s sudden decisiveness, albeit after taking stakeholders into confidence, but from the precision of its approach. For the first time in over a decade of debate, the government has issued a formal, structured framework: the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, released in draft form last week.
The guidelines outline a regulatory mechanism for digital taxi platforms, a standardised fare structure, and a licensing system for aggregators — measures that, taken together, mark the most serious attempt yet to modernise the State’s fragmented taxi services.
The government has invited suggestions, objections, and recommendations from individuals and stakeholders, giving them 30 days to respond – ending June 19. The move is being seen as both democratic and strategic, opening the door for dialogue while also indicating that the government will not take a step back this time.
The Transport Department has described it as a landmark reform aimed at modernising Goa’s taxi sector by facilitating app-based convenience while also protecting the interests of local taxi drivers.
Draft guidelines aim for balance
Speaking to The Goan, Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek said the policy addresses long-standing challenges such as the lack of digital access and the daily inconvenience faced by commuters.
“This initiative provides an inclusive and balanced mobility model that improves public access to safe and reliable taxi services. It also prevents exploitative practices often seen in other States, such as deep fare discounts and high aggregator commissions that reduce driver earnings, by ensuring that all drivers are paid the full fare notified by the government,” he said.
The government has often admitted to increasing complaints by tourists over the inflated rates charged by taxi operators and incidents of arrogance when confronted – issues that have often attracted negative social media attention.
Abhishek said Goa’s taxi issue is often seen only as a tourism concern, which overlooks a more pressing reality. The absence of regulated, app-based taxi services, he said, affects the daily lives of Goans.
“From working women needing safe transportation at night, to senior citizens seeking reliable travel for medical appointments, and differently-abled persons commuting to work... lack of accessible and dependable taxi options affects people across all age groups and walks of life. The draft addresses all these issues,” he said.
This service gap has led to increased dependence on self-driven and private vehicles. As reported by The Goan last week, Goa has 882 vehicles per 1,000 people – more than three times the national average of 246.
Local demand at the centre
“In 2024, while Goa recorded over one crore tourist arrivals, the real story lies in the unmet local demand. Even if just three per cent of Goa’s population uses taxis daily, the number of trips generated by locals is far greater than those by tourists. This clearly indicates that the real, long-term market for taxi services lies within our own communities. "Recognising and addressing this demand is central to creating a transport system that is not only efficient but also inclusive and responsive to the everyday needs of our people,” the director added.
The draft guidelines, 2025, include specific safeguards ensuring drivers receive the full government-notified fare, regardless of the aggregator’s customer pricing. Any commissions must be absorbed by the platform and not deducted from the driver’s earnings.
The policy also allows drivers to work with multiple aggregator apps and mandates payments within 72 hours. Aggregators who fail to comply will face a 25 per cent penalty.
Drivers will be entitled to a comprehensive package of welfare benefits comprising Rs 10 lakh health insurance cover, increasing by 5 per cent annually, and reimbursement of annual vehicle insurance up to Rs 20,000 or 50 per cent of the premium — whichever is lower.
To support inclusivity, the guidelines provide additional support for women drivers. They will be eligible for full reimbursement of vehicle insurance costs up to Rs 30,000, Rs 1 lakh subsidy for the purchase of a new electric vehicle, and expanded health insurance coverage that includes their parents and children.
“These targeted incentives are designed to promote financial stability, accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, and foster a more inclusive and equitable transportation ecosystem in Goa,” Abhishek said. “Based on the current government-notified fares, the weighted average of taxi fare across Goa has been calculated at Rs 32 per kilometre,” he added.
After adding the average aggregator commission and applicable taxes, the total cost to the passenger is estimated at Rs 38 per kilometre.
At these rates, estimated one-way fares would be: Mopa Airport to Panaji – Rs 1,487; Dabolim to Panaji – Rs 1,068; Panaji to Margao – Rs 1,296; Panaji to Palolem – Rs 2,173. These all-inclusive fares aim to ensure passengers pay a fair price while drivers receive their full earnings without deductions.
“By combining the ease of digital booking with safeguards for driver welfare, the policy addresses long-standing gaps in the taxi sector. It brings convenience to passengers, and ensures fair earnings for drivers too,” he said.
Union opposition and political landscape
Meanwhile, tourist taxi operators find themselves in a different position. With the government putting its foot down on introducing aggregators – claiming it is not by force – the union leaders have so far submitted around 1,700 and more objections to the department.
Ironically, they have not received support from either the government or the opposition. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate and MLA Joshua D’Souza have sided with the draft policy, with MLA Michael Lobo refraining from giving his clear stance.
Policy Highlights
