MAPUSA
The newly formed All Goa Rent-a-Cab Owners Association has welcomed the State government’s decision to stop issuing fresh rent-a-cab permits, but strongly objected to the simultaneous suspension of the replacement policy.
“We do not want new permits because we aim to restore order and discipline among existing vehicles. But the government should at least allow operators to replace their old vehicles,” said association president Nitesh Chodankar.
The government had recently announced a freeze not only on the issuance of new rent-a-cab licences but also on the replacement of vehicles, with a cut-off date stating that only cabs registered up to February 2025 would be eligible for replacement.
Chodankar admitted that Goa’s taxi sector “ both rent-a-cabs and regular taxis “ faces multiple challenges. “There are instances of tourists drinking and driving or indulging in rash driving, which have led to accidents. These issues need to be addressed. Our association also wants to build awareness among operators,” he said.
The new body has been formed to bring together licence holders under one umbrella and take up grievances collectively with the State government.
“We have already met Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo to place our concerns before them,” Chodankar said, adding that the association would also meet the Chief Minister on pressing issues.
On the State’s plan to introduce a taxi aggregator app, Chodankar maintained a cautious stance. “The government should call us for discussions. We will take a collective decision. I cannot comment further at this stage,” he said.
The All Goa Rent-a-Cab Owners Association claims that Goa has around 10 licence holders spread across the State, and its aim is to unite them and strengthen their voice on policy matters.
The ad hoc executive committee of the newly formed association includes Nitesh Chodankar as president, Amey Singnepurkar as vice-president, and Simplicio D’Souza as general secretary.
