PANAJI
Pending finalization of draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025, the State government has put its foot down to introduce the taxi aggregators’ app, irrespective of criticism and backlash from certain sections (taxi operators). Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said his government is ready to take any bold decision in the interest of the State.
Speaking during the round table conclave for “Reimagining Goa @2037: Shaping a Sustainable and Digitally Connected Tourism Future”, Sawant said that in the digital era, app based transport facility is the only solution for the tourism state like Goa and hence the government will make every effort to convince the taxi operators.
He also said that the government will work out a solution shortly.
“We are ready to take any bold decision in the interest of the State. We are ready for criticism and backlash…we are used to it…but in the larger interest of the State and for future tourism, some decisions have to be made,” Sawant said.
He said that the issues pertaining to taxi fares are not just in Goa but in other parts of India too, but the only difference is that the tourist visiting there have got options in the form of app-based transport systems, which we are lacking here.
“The taxi issue of Goa is highlighted by the tourists only because we are a tourism State and people come here for fun, leisure and enjoyment,” Sawant said.
Goa's draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines aimed to regulate app-based taxi services by focusing on fair pricing, driver welfare and the use of locally registered vehicles and licensed drivers were notified in May for public inputs. Over 4,000 suggestions and objections were received by the government, which are currently being examined.
Taxi operators are strongly opposing the draft guidelines, fearing that app-based taxi services will negatively impact their livelihoods. They argue these guidelines will allow outside players to enter the market, leading to increased competition and a potential loss of business for local taxi drivers.
However, the Chief Minister has already ruled out the entry of Ola or Uber in the State.
Meanwhile, Sawant said that the government aims to make Goa fully digitally enabled State, not just in the area of transport but across all sectors.
He said that currently, more than 240 services have been digitized and many more are in pipeline to ensure ease of access, transparency and efficiency for citizens and businesses alike. “Together, with the support of our industry partners, Goa will set benchmarks in sustainable, smart and digitally connected tourism,” Sawant said.
