VASCO
After a five-year wait, Goa’s taxi operators have a revised fare structure, with Transport Minister and Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho launching the new fare card at Dabolim International Airport in the presence of taxi operators.
The revision replaces the flat-rate model introduced in 2021 with a point-to-point and distance-based system. It also creates separate vehicle categories, with higher fares for SUVs and other larger vehicles.
Godinho said the revision was long overdue and followed representations from the taxi fraternity. He appreciated the United Taximen Association of Dabolim Airport for repeatedly raising members’ concerns and said the new structure would benefit operators across Goa.
He said the government aimed to keep the taxi sector viable while bringing greater clarity to fares for passengers. He also highlighted Dabolim airport’s importance as a major tourist entry point and the role of taxis in connecting arriving passengers with destinations across the State. Operators had worked under the previous tariff for five years despite rising vehicle operating and maintenance costs. The new distance-based system is expected to provide a more structured basis for fare calculation.
QR code for taxi operators
The Transport Department is also working on introducing a QR code system for taxi operators.
Godinho said the system would make information about operators more accessible to passengers and provide an additional layer of identification and transparency.
The move comes as Goa’s taxi sector faces changing passenger expectations and growing competition from app-based transport services.
Dabolim airport remains heavily dependent on taxis for transporting tourists and other arriving passengers.
