PANAJI
Days after tourist taxi operators objected to the draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, the scheme gained support from tourism stakeholders, especially the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), which called it timely and necessary.
“The draft covers everything. It ensures the taxi system benefits not only visitors and locals but also the taxi operators and drivers,” TTAG President Jack Sukhija said. He added that the policy addresses long-standing problems such as the lack of digital platforms and the daily inconvenience faced by commuters.
TTAG members also said the current gap in services has pushed residents and tourists to use self-drive rentals and private vehicles, making road congestion, parking shortages, accident risks, and pollution worse.
According to official figures shared with The Goan, Goa’s vehicle density is 882 vehicles per 1,000 people — more than three times the national average of 246.
“In 2024, Goa recorded around one crore arrivals, but the unmet local demand is the real story. If just 3 percent of Goa’s population uses taxis daily, the number of local trips far exceeds tourist usage,” Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek said, explaining that the bigger market lies within the State’s residents.
The State announced the draft on 20 May, saying it aims to regulate app-based taxi services amid growing complaints from tourists and locals about poor service, high fares, and taxis not using meters. The draft policy proposes strict penalties to ensure compliance. Unlicensed aggregators or those breaking licence rules could face a fine of Rs 50 lakh and blacklisting. Also, a fine of Rs 5 lakh is proposed for each violation of fare rules. The department has also listed incentives and set a 30-day deadline for stakeholders to submit suggestions or objections.
Details obtained by The Goan show the department has set the weighted average taxi fare across Goa at Rs 32 per km, based on current government rates.
After adding aggregator commissions and taxes, the final cost to passengers is estimated at Rs 38 per km. A ride from Mopa Airport to Panaji costs about Rs 1,487, while Dabolim to Panaji is Rs 1,068. Trips from Panaji to Margao and Panaji to Palolem cost Rs 1,296 and Rs 2,173, respectively. Officials say these fares are competitive and allow drivers to earn fully without deductions.
The draft policy also includes incentives to improve gender representation in the sector. Ntasha Bhardwaj, founder of the South Asian Institute of Crime and Justice Studies, said regulated aggregators could be a game-changer for women in Goa.
“Safe, reliable transportation expands economic access, especially in male-dominated sectors. App-based features and door-to-door services offer greater freedom and security,” she said.
