the goan I network
VASCO
The tourist taxi strike took several passengers at Dabolim airport by surprise on Friday, but concerted efforts by the KTC, GTDC and Travel And Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) to provide bus services ensured minimum inconvenience to passengers.
The Dabolim airport witnessed some chaotic moments after several passengers were unaware of the strike by the tourist taxi operators. Many passengers were seen inquiring about transport arrangements at the prepaid taxi counters, only to be informed about the strike.
A large number of KTC and GTDC buses were present at the airport secured by a heavy police force. Mormugao DySP Sunita Sawant was also present personally monitoring the situation.
Despite a statement by United Taximen Union President Sanjay Naik that the black-yellow taxis would not support the strike, only a few prepaid B-Y taxis were seen operating.
“Our services are operational, but some taxi drivers did not appear at the airport out of fear of backlash,” said Naik.
TTAG President Savio Messias was seen actively coordinating with KTC and GTDC officials to ensure passengers were not subjected to hardships.
He also went a step ahead and dropped a passenger to Vasco in his personal car.
“Adequate measures were in place on Friday and the government took steps to ensure that passengers were not put to hardships. We had initial hiccups in the morning, but now we are sailing smooth and many passengers are now using the buses,” Messias told the Goan in the afternoon.
GTDC DGM Ninfa D’Silva, who was present at Dabolim airport, said the pre-paid taxis were carrying passengers only to main cities like Margao, Panjim and Ponda, while the buses were catering to other passengers.
GTDC airport in-charge Anil Dalal told The Goan that the corporation would continue operating buses till midnight.
