PANAJI: The Goa Forward Party (GFP), led by party leader Chetan Kamat, on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Directorate of Transport opposing the proposed motorcycle pilot transport app, Majhe App, claiming it is impractical for Goa and poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of local pilots.
A GFP delegation, accompanied by members of the motorcycle pilot community, visited the Directorate of Transport to meet the Director of Transport. However, as the Director was unavailable due to an official meeting, the memorandum was submitted to the department.
Speaking to the media, Kamat said the initiative was taken after motorcycle pilots approached GFP chief Vijai Sardesai seeking the party's support against the proposed app.
"A few days ago, our pilot brothers met our Party chief, requesting to oppose the launch of the transport app in Goa. The pilot community is our backbone, and that is why we have submitted this memorandum to the Transport Department," Kamat said.
He alleged that the government had moved ahead with the proposal without consulting the motorcycle pilot, taxi and rickshaw communities.
"The government and the Transport Minister want to implement this on their own, but they did not consult the stakeholders. A decision affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people should not be taken without taking them into confidence," he said.
Kamat argued that Goa's geography and travel patterns make the app unviable.
"Goa is a small state, not a metro city. If a pilot takes a passenger from Margao to Panaji or Baga, there is no guarantee of getting a return fare. They may have to return empty, making the trip financially unviable after accounting for fuel costs," he said.
He also questioned the need for mandatory smartphone usage, claiming many pilots, particularly senior citizens, do not use smartphones.
"The app is not feasible for many elderly pilots. Thousands of pilots depend on this profession for their livelihood, and many are not comfortable using smartphones," he added.
Kamat further criticised the involvement of private app operators, alleging they would benefit through commissions at the expense of local pilots.
"They talk about platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, but private companies take a 30 to 40 per cent commission. This proposal is not in the interest of Goan pilots. We demand that the government immediately scrap the app and stop wasting public money," he said.
A representative of the motorcycle pilot community echoed similar concerns, stating that the profession has long served as a source of livelihood for Goans and primarily caters to local commuters travelling between villages.
"We are Goans and earn our livelihood here. We primarily cater to local commuters, especially those travelling between villages. If we travel long distances and fail to get a return fare, the fuel cost alone results in a loss. Around 2,500 of the 3,000 to 3,500 motorcycle pilots do not even use smartphones. We do not want this app," the representative said.
The representative said the pilot community was never taken into confidence before the proposal was announced and argued that app-based operations would adversely affect their daily earnings and working conditions.
"At present, a motorcycle pilot earns around Rs 500 to Rs 700 a day. We work in the rain and heat to support our families, educate our children and make ends meet. If this app is introduced, local pilots will struggle to sustain their livelihood," the representative said.
Responding to a question on whether integrating only badge holders into the proposed app could be a solution, the representative said that would not address the community's concerns.
"Even badge holders face several difficulties. The government made badges compulsory, but many issues remain unresolved. We were never consulted before this proposal was brought in. We do not want this application," the representative said.
The Goa Forward Party said it would continue supporting the motorcycle pilot community and would also raise the issue during the upcoming Assembly session, demanding that the government withdraw the proposed transport app.
