PANAJI: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has been asked to develop a mobile app so that they can start with app based taxi service. Another app will also be developed wherein tourists will be able to register their complaints online PANAJI: State Government will file intervention petition in the Supreme Court seeking exemption from installing speed governors on tourist taxis in the State. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that the State Government was ready to grant additional time to taxi owners for installation of speed governors under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, provided they make a representation to the State Government.
“I have asked GTDC to immediately go for development of an app so that they can start app-based taxi service. It may take 3-4 months to start that app. Nonetheless, if the taxi associations want, we can also develop an app for them for free,” said Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
As far as the Dabolim Airport is concerned, the internal taxi counters will henceforth be manned by GTDC. The State Government has also taken decision to increase the number of yellow and black taxis. Nonetheless, the state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited has also been directed to introduce additional buses from the airport to fixed destinations.
“I have issued instructions to GTDC that henceforth all the internal taxi counters will be manned by them so that they can provide adequate services. Tourist taxi operators will not be permitted to man the counters. Since the last 8 months I have been telling the taxi association to deploy additional personnel so that people don’t have to stand in queues”, he said adding, “GTDC can have multiple counters “ two permanent and may be some hand-held counters. It may take a month or so to implement the entire system. The taxis will have the list which will be issued electronically and digital mode of payment will also be adopted.”
“Secondly, as the number of taxis at the airport is inadequate, we have decided to increase their number. The exact number will be decided after discussing with appropriate authorities. There is also a possibility of introducing airport taxis separately. Kadamba has been asked to introduce additional bus services from the airport to fixed destinations like Calangute, Candiolim, Mapusa, Margao, among others,” he said.
He also informed that the implementation of digital meters will start within the next four months.
“We will meet all stakeholders to discuss the issue with them prior to implementation. We have already started cracking down on private vehicles being used as taxis. If any private vehicle is used as taxis, the registration of the vehicle could be cancelled and it could be impounded,” he said.
