PANAJI
With differences between the tourist taxi operators and the app-based aggregator in the tourism belt escalating, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has demanded to end political pressure on North Goa hotels.
In a fresh communiqué to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, TTAG President Jack Sukhija alleged that certain North Goa hotels are under political pressure and hence, not cooperating with app-based taxis operating in the area.
This, he stated, is ultimately inconveniencing tourists this monsoon.
“There has been a rise in such cases in the last few weeks after the central (Lok Sabha) elections,” he further alleged.
Sukhija slammed that while the government is constantly urging tourism stakeholders to utilize online services on various platforms and websites, why taxi operators are not being urged to follow the system.
“App-based taxis are the need of the hour and such technology-based digital services are here to stay,” he added.
The State recently witnessed several incidents wherein taxi operators alleged Goa Miles taxi drivers are operating at various hotels and resorts in the North Goa coastal belt where local taxi businesses operate on a queue system. This practice is depriving local taxi owners and drivers of their rightful business, they alleged while placing their matter before Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and the police.
Prior to this, taxi operators in Mopa alleged that Goa Miles Taxis were functioning through counters instead of apps.
Amid all this, the TTAG condemned the unnecessary interference stating “such elements that are providing a hurdle to app-based taxis and inconveniencing tourists in the rain. Customers have the right to choose online or offline taxis and they should be provided with the best service.”
Sukhija urged CM Pramod Sawant to take a strong stand on these obstacles faced by app-based taxis.
