Amidst complaints from tourists about being charged exorbitant fares for taxi services to and from airports and traditional cabbies refusing to give up their monopoly, very few might have given a thought that the State has ample transportation options.
There are at least eight distinct services available with some exclusively serving the Manohar International Airport (MIA) at Mopa and others operating at both airports such as Kadamba electric buses, app-based services like Uber and Goa Taxi App, Goa Miles, rental cars, and traditional yellow-black and white tourist taxis.
These diverse choices have in the recent past provided passengers, including locals with a variety of transportation options to suit their needs.
KTCL’s EV AC bus service for Mopa passengers
The exclusive bus service to Mopa Airport has proven to be a tremendous benefit for numerous passengers with the service meticulously designed to match the level of major airports in other metropolitan cities.
This concept, introduced by the loss-making Corporation, has seamlessly integrated into the local transportation network, despite the authorities slightly reducing bus fares following public complaints.
The buses operate along four primary routes from Mapusa, Calangute, Panaji, and Margao. The fare structure for this service is Rs 150 for the initial destination, Rs 200 for each of the subsequent two destinations, and Rs 400 for passengers travelling from Margao. These buses, depending on their departure route, also cover Baga-Arpora, connecting all these locations to Mopa and back. Departure timings are prominently displayed on the KTCL’s official website, ensuring that passengers have easy access to the schedule.
APP-BASED SERVICES
Goa Miles
On August 6, 2018, amidst various challenges, Goa Miles – the very first app-based taxi service was launched by a Goan company. A rigorous evaluation process among 20 companies to launch a groundbreaking initiative for convenient, efficient, and affordable transportation for passengers led to its emergence. Interestingly, this app also encouraged the use of cutting-edge technology and digital payments, anytime and anywhere.
But while this travel experience revolutionised the industry, it also subjected the cabbies associated with Goa Miles to a challenging phase when many of them faced physical confrontations, assault and verbal abuse from taxi operators who were hell-bent to maintain their monopoly in the business. Despite police intervention, Goa Miles’ drivers continued to face the wrath as irate taxi operators even challenged the government to withdraw support for the app.
Fast forward five years, the app service’s response prompted the government to launch its local cab aggregator.
Goa Taxi App
It was introduced on September 16 to provide a seamless commuting experience and enhance travel convenience for both residents and visitors throughout the State.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasised the need for quality tourists over quantity, underscoring the government’s commitment to reducing serious accidents caused by drunk driving, and even speaking about an important SOS feature to address any emergencies, malfunctions, or security concerns, with a particular focus on enhancing the safety of female travellers.
Blue Cabs pending Association formation
In May 2023, the government amended the Goa Motor Vehicles Rules 1991 to facilitate setting up Blue Cab Prepaid Taxi Service at MIA. This service, exclusively for Pernem locals, saw the Transport Department issuing 200 grant letters. However, the already notified taxi counter’s functioning is possible only upon the formation of an Association, which is yet to materialise.
Transport Director Rajan Satardekar explained that registered taxi drivers must complete two crucial steps to launch the service in full swing. “From the department’s side, grant letters are already issued. The next steps involve the formation of an Association by the drivers after which they should approach the GMR at Mopa to commence operations of the counter, which should be registered in the name of the Association,” he revealed.
The department has also instructed permit holders to visit the Pernem Regional Transport Authority office, where they should present their cabs in the final colour scheme - Blue - to obtain a final permit.
Outstation taxi aggregator (Uber)
Uber officially initiated its services this July and as of now, its operations are limited to providing transportation to and from MIA. Interestingly, its airport cab service exclusively offers premium category rides.
Rent-a-cars
Self-driven cars have had a presence in Goa for several years, operating smoothly even without a dedicated car rental desk at airports. Not only do tourists easily access this service but also have the added convenience of having a car rental company employee personally deliver and collect the vehicle at the airport, albeit at an additional cost. This service too is competing with the black-yellow and white tourist taxis.
Traditional taxis (black-yellow, white tourist cars)
Last but certainly not the least, while the monopoly of the black-yellow and white tourist cars has waned, they still maintain a significant presence in the State. They are still readily accessible at both airports and every major tourist location. What has changed is the taxi drivers’ attitude towards passengers, most of whom often took to social media platforms to narrate their bad experiences such as being subjected to exorbitant fares and intimidation.
