the goan I network
MAPUSA
Stating that everyone should embrace technology, Fr Freddy Braganza, in-charge of Centre for Responsible Tourism said that app-based taxis would fetch good business to taxi operators, but the app should be designed with consultation of tourist and other taxi owners of Goa.
“The State government’s idea of starting an app for tourist taxis is a good proposition. It will increase footfalls and generate good income. But to design this app, the government needs to invite all local taxi owners and take their views,” Fr Freddy said.
“We do not want firms from outside Goa to design the app as they will not be able to know the issues plaguing the Goan taxi operators,” he added.
Fr Freddy Braganza was addressing a meeting of tourist vehicle owners held at St Alex Church hall, Calangute. Social activist, Rajan Ghate and convenor of the meet, Anthony de Souza was also present.
Speaking further, Fr Freddy opined that politicians should be kept out of this, as politicians only used the taxi owners for their interests.
“Not a single issue of the taxi operators has been raised in the Assembly for the last 20 years,” he said.
He further said that if the tourist taxi operators objected to the app then it will open the doors to other operators in India.
Social activist, Rajan Ghate questioned the government’s rationale to start a KTC bus service only from airport to Calangute.
Stating that the bus KTC bus service was against the interest of the taxi operators, he questioned why the local MLA was silent on the issue.
“With this government in power the mafia is taking control of most of the businesses with the blessing of the politicians,” Ghate alleged.
He said the government needs to come up with a transport policy which will benefit the tourist taxi drivers.
Convenor of the meet, Anthony de Souza said that Goa was a different market and not like a metro city of Mumbai or Delhi.
“Goa basically caters to tourism. The government should not encourage non-Goans to formulate an app for our conditions,” De Souza said.
He also raised several issues pertaining to the taxi-fare meters, speed governors, badges, etc.
