the goan I network
VASCO
The days of tourists enjoying drives in rented cars and rides on bikes across the State could soon be numbered.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday said the transport department will not issue fresh permits for rent-a-car and rent-a-bike business, adding that previous permits would be reviewed and cancelled if required.
“GoaMiles app-based taxis are doing good and yellow-black and tourist taxis are also working in a disciplined and efficient manner. We have stopped issuing fresh permits for rent-a-car and rent-a-bike business,” said Godinho, while speaking to reporters at Dabolim airport.
“We have realised that maximum accidents are caused on bikes and majority of tourists (around 50 percent) who arrive in Goa are killed in such accidents. This decision to curtail permits for rent-a-car and rent-a-bike will address this problem, while other taxis will also get their share of business as well.”
“There has to be a healthy balance and if unlimited permits are issued there will be no business for anyone and there will be fights among the stakeholders,” said Godinho.
The minister also said the transport department would also review existing permits issued at random. “We will issue permission only as per flow of tourists in Goa and if necessary the permission issued earlier could also be cancelled,” said Godinho.
“Today, almost anyone is becoming a taxi driver and there is no police verification done. I will ensure that verification becomes mandatory and it is my job to get this done. This is important so that locals get a larger share in the pie.” “There is nothing like outsider or insider, but suddenly people have come from other states to operate/drive a taxi in Goa and this will have to be curbed.”
