PERNEM
Taxi operators from Morjim, Mandrem, Arambol and Keri in coastal Pernem have refused to instal meters on their taxis and instead, have asked the State government for financial help for their losses during the Covid pandemic.
Putting forth these points at a meeting in Morjim under the guidance of Sudeep Tamhankar, the taxi operators also demanded the scrapping of the GoaMiles app-based taxi service.
"Business has almost come to a halt since the 18 months due to the Covid pandemic as tourists are not visiting in large numbers. Taxi drivers have received notices from banks as they were unable to pay their loan instalments,” said Tamhankar.
“By now, the government should have resolved the issue of bus and taxi owners."
The taxi operators also said they were not bothered by public notices issued by the government to instal meters which cost around Rs 11,500.
Tamhankar also expressed disappointment over Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte's current position on the issue.
"He used to raise these questions in the assembly while he was in the Congress. The GoaMiles app issue comes under the GTDC, and it is sad to see him keeping his mouth shut now," he added.
The taxi operators also pledged to work against the BJP at the upcoming elections if their demands were not met by the government.
