PANAJI
Last year, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho adamantly resisted firm opposition to the government’s plans to launch the Goa Taxi App at MIA, Mopa justifying that they want to avoid embarrassing situations at Dabolim, at the new airport.
He also criticised taxi operators for opposing every progressive initiative and questioned why the latter were not using digital meters.
In the present time, every tourist car is fitted with digital meters as directed by the High Court of Bombay at Goa. After months of non-use, these meters are functional with a twist.
A reliable transport official told The Goan that the department has imposed strict regulations, withholding permits, fitness certificates, and other relevant permissions if the drivers fail to install and use the digital meters. “We require proof that they are using these digital meters, and without it, they do not get permissions,” the official stated.
Nevertheless, despite the meters being in operation, some taxi drivers manipulate passengers, especially tourists, by demanding fares higher than the metered rates. “The passengers often opt to pay the higher fare rather than insisting on the digital meter because they are under the impression that the digital meters charge higher,” he said.
In some instances, a few taxi drivers have even covered the meters, indicating these are not being used at all.
