PANAJI
In an effort to modernise and regulate the State's taxi services, the Goa government on Thursday introduced the ‘Goa Taxi Driver App’ under the tagline “Goa Taxi, Aamchi Taxi”.
The initiative aims to bring taxi operations onto a digital platform, improving accessibility and service efficiency for commuters even as the move had earlier met with resistance from traditional taxi operators, who remain opposed to the government's push for digitalisation in the sector.
In a post on X today, the Department of Tourism announced the launch of the app with incentives, offering 25 litres of free fuel -- petrol, diesel or CNG -- to the first 500 drivers who complete 50 rides and remain active between 8 am and 8 pm for 30 days.
For assistance, drivers have been asked to contact the helpline at 1364.
The launch comes even as public feedback on the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 remains open until June 30.
Traditional operators fear that the policy could pave the way for national aggregators like Ola and Uber, threatening their livelihoods. Taxi unions have submitted over 1,000 objections and demand that the policy be scrapped.
The protests had also received political backing from the Opposition parties, activists, and coastal BJP MLAs Michael Lobo and Jit Arolkar, had urged the government to pause the process and hold wider consultations.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, had also clarified that the guidelines will not allow entry to national aggregators. “Taxi operators need not be in any sort of confusion. The guidelines do not aim to open floodgates for national cab aggregators like Ola and Uber,” he had said.
The policy had also found support from the Transport Department and industry bodies like the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), and Assocham Goa, who felt it was a step towards safer, more reliable, app-based transport, especially for tourists, women, and shift workers.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho had maintained that participation was voluntary but essential to modernise the sector. Drivers using the app would not be required to install separate meters, as the platform managed fare calculations digitally.
The Transport Department also assured that all feedback would be reviewed before finalising the regulations.
