PANAJI
Against the backdrop of strong opposition from taxi owners and operators, the Goa government is firm on its decision to introduce app-based cab aggregators claiming the move is intended to streamline the State’s taxi service.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho told reporters that the government is willing to finance tourist taxi operators but only on the condition that they join app-based platforms. “We are not forcing anyone to join the app or opposing the traditional business. But this is about streamlining the long-overdue taxi service system. I am ready to finance them, but they must come on the app,” he said.
His remarks came even as around 1,000 taxi operators submitted written objections to the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 at the Transport Department headquarters in Panaji on Monday. The draft, notified on May 20, is a bid to regulate app-based taxi services given rising complaints from both tourists and locals regarding poor service, inflated fares and refusal to use digital meters.
Earlier in the day, taxi owners approached their respective MLAs seeking support and subsequently marched to the transport office at Junta House. However, police personnel, deployed under prohibitory orders issued by the North Goa District Collector, prevented the taxi operators from entering the building.
Transport officials were stationed outside to accept the objections submitted by the operators.
President of the North and South Goa Taxi Unions Sunil Naik told The Goan that over 1,000 individual objections were submitted, with a consolidated representation to follow. “We are consulting our lawyer to file the detailed objections on behalf of unions within the time frame,” he said.
The unions claim the policy is a deliberate move to phase out traditional operators. “It is a question of livelihood. Many families are dependent solely on this business,” Naik added.
Godinho conceded that some operators are reluctant to adopt digital meters, despite directions from the High Court. “Those who join the app will not be required to install the meters separately. They will be integrated into the platform. But all must fall in line,” he said, adding that the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), the original petitioner in the meter case, should consider filing a contempt petition against non-compliant operators.
The government has given a 30-day window from the date of notification for all stakeholders to submit their suggestions or objections. The minister reiterated that the policy will not be enforced unilaterally. “We will take everyone into confidence, including individuals and stakeholders, before making the final decision. The intention is to help Goans, contrary to what some believe,” he said.
