the goan I 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.
Lobo pledges support to local taximen
MAPUSA: Pledging his support to the local taximen, Deputy Speaker and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said the State government should take local taxi operators into confidence before taking any decision regarding the GoaMiles app.
“The high court has directed tourist taxis to be fitted with meters and if local taxi operators fit these meters, there will be no need for GoaMiles taxi service. The government should first think about the welfare of local people,” said Lobo.
He was speaking while launching work on a culvert at Naikawada-Calangute in the presence of ZP member Dattaprasad Dabholkar, Calangute Sarpanch Shawn Martins and Deputy Sarpanch Sudesh Mayekar.
“Taxi service is the only occupation left in the hands of the locals and the State government should consult MLAs from the coastal belt like myself, Dayanand Sopte, Vinod Palyekar, Jayesh Salgaonkar, Churchill Alemao and Alina Saldanha and discuss the issue of GoaMiles with them.”
“Former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar had assured to give 75-80% concession to fit app meter on taxis and the State government should fullfil this assurance. An app meter is good idea and there will be no need for the GoaMiles taxi service in Goa,” Lobo added.
