MARGAO
Tourist taxi operators along the Salcete coast have raised concerns after spotting a driver operating a tourist taxi illegally. The driver, who only arrived in Goa in 2021, was found driving without a proper badge.
The operators claimed that although the driver resides in the Cortallim constituency, he is managing to drive the taxi using a character certificate issued by Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho.
Speaking to the media, Benaulim tourist taxi operator Savio Goes said he encountered the driver while parking his vehicle on the roadside at Cavelossim. “After questioning, the driver admitted that he had travelled from Vasco to Margao railway station before heading to Cavelossim to wait for a pick-up. He is operating without the required 15-year domicile certificate and badge,” Goes said, questioning how local taxi operators are supposed to make a living when outsiders are illegally taking their customers.
Goes held the Transport Minister responsible for the problems in the tourist transport sector, accusing Goindho of allowing outsiders to enter what has traditionally been a Goan self-employed business.
