PANAJI
Coming out in full support of the State government’s strong stand against the striking taxi operators, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Goa Technology Association has said app-based taxi services are needed in the State.
Welcoming the government’s stand, GCCI president Manoj Caculo said Goa is the only State in India where taxis are running without fare meters. This has, often, led to a large number of complaints by the tourists of overcharging and harassment meted out to them which bring a bad name to the State and its tourism industry.
Successive governments in the State had been succumbing to the pressure tactics of the taxi operators and also to the pressure from some of its own MLAs. “Because of the government dragging its feet, GCCI and TTAG had in the past, approached the High Court which had given directions to the government to ensure that all taxi operators install fare meters.
The clear stand taken by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his ministerial colleagues is a welcome step, Caculo said.
Insisting on the installation of the fare meters, the government has shown its willingness to resolve the issue in an amicable manner by offering to pay for the cost of the meters, Caculo said in a press release.
“As business persons we often travel across the country and avail of the app-based taxi service like Uber and Ola which are very efficient and cost-effective. GoaMiles compares fairly well with the other app-based taxi services in the country and is gaining popularity in Goa,” GCCI president said.
Caculo further said, “it is unfortunate that the taxi operators are using strong arm tactics and are taking law in their own hands to harm the GoaMiles taxi drivers, which is totally unacceptable.”
Goa Technology Association President Mangirish Salelkar also echoed similar sentiments.
Pointing out that Goa definitely needs a taxi app which can be very effective and user-friendly to our employees and IT professionals, he said that commuting to the airport will also become very convenient.
When the State government wants to promote start-ups in Goa, a company like GoaMiles born in Goa needs to be supported, otherwise, many of the investors may lose interest in investing in Goan start-ups and the industries, Salelkar said.
Salelkar further highlighted that GoaMiles has been able to create a lot of job opportunities over the period in various roles.
Technology-based start-ups and companies of similar nature are job creators and should be encouraged, he says, adding, “we need to also encourage Goans and tourists in using taxis to reduce and avoid late night drink and drive accident cases. People can also use this taxi-app service for their comfortable travel.”
“We need to take smarter steps in encouraging more app-based taxi services in Goa like Uber and Ola too. Government can also propose to build an app-based taxi solution for the taxi association, which can go hand-in-hand along with current service providers”, the GTA president said.
