THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA: The All Goa Taxi Owner Association (AGTOA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the controversial GoaMiles app-based taxi service, failing which it has threatened to stage a protest along with families of members.
The AGTOA has also held Director of Transport Nikhil Dessai responsible for the GoaMiles taxi service and has sought his removal as director of transport,
A large number of taxi operators affiliated to the AGTOA staged a rally at Periot ground in Calangute on Tuesday and they were supported by Rent-a-Cab, Yellow-and-Black taxi operators, Motorcycle Pilots Association, Rickshaw Drivers Association.
"Taxi is our traditional occupation but the State government is trying to finish us by starting the GoaMiles app-based taxi service,” said AGTOA president Chetan Kamat.
“Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant's appeal to taxi operators to participate in the app service for one month is nothing but to hand over our occupation to the corporates. We will never accept GoaMiles taxi service. We are serving an 8-day ultimatum to the State government to resolve our grievances, else we will start a mass movement against it," warned Kamat.
Added Gangaram Fhadke: “In large cities, the app-based taxi service is good but in a small state like Goa, it is not feasible. The government is starting this service only for commission."
Rohan Calangutkar, Nitesh Chodankar and Kundan Kerkar were among those who spoke at the rally.
