MAPUSA
For the first time, a ruling party MLA has publicly highlighted the deteriorating state of public transport in Goa, bringing the issue into sharp focus.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said the public transport system in the State has “collapsed,” with congested roads across major towns and tourist belts causing severe traffic disruptions.
“Be it Panaji, Vasco, Margao, Mapusa, or the coastal areas of Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, and Vagator, roads are chock-a-block with private vehicles, causing traffic jams and disrupting the movement of traffic,” Lobo said.
The MLA stressed that the government must first assess the current availability of local and KTC buses and determine the number required to meet demand. He also called for interest-free loans for locals willing to enter the transport business, along with diesel subsidies to encourage bus operations.
“There is a need to appoint a competent consultant to study how many buses Goa actually needs. Locals who want to go into the transport business should be supported with interest-free loans and diesel subsidies,” Lobo said.
He proposed that buses should run at half-hourly intervals to ensure commuters can reach their destinations on time.
Lobo also highlighted the need for proper infrastructure. “If the taxi business is regulated, it will also improve convenience,” he added.
Lobo cited the example of travelling from Calangute to Baga, which now takes nearly one and a half hours due to the heavy presence of private vehicles.
“If buses operated from Sinquerim to Baga every 20 minutes, particularly in this tourism belt, residents would not rely on their personal vehicles,” he said.
He warned that the absence of a robust public transport system has led to constant traffic jams and severe parking shortages.
“The government of the day must bring in the necessary infrastructure, including buses, and support locals to buy buses. Public transport needs to be properly established in Goa,” Lobo urged.
