the goan I network
PANAJI
Setting a deadline of 10 days for the State government to get GoaMiles app-based taxi service scrapped, the taxi owners, at a mega meet called at Taleigao on Wednesday alleged that the app-based services have affected their business.
The taxi owners also opposed the move to install digital meters on taxis.
Present at the meet was Churchill Alemao who said that without domicile no one should be allowed to drive a tourist taxi in Goa.
He expressed confidence that the present government will have a solution to the issue.
Anthony D’Souza, a taxi owner, said the different rates as per permits and type of vehicle, locality has created confusion about taxi owners overcharging.
A taxi owner is a real stakeholder in the tourism business but a false picture has been created and Travel and Tourism Association of Goa has been projected as the only stakeholder of the tourism industry.
The app-based taxi system is taking away fruits of business of which seeds are sown by our forefathers with their hard work and sweat.
He alleged that the Government is competing with taxi owners. GoaMiles has been given space at the airport. The Airports Authority of India does not have the right to give permission to GoaMiles. He alleged that one director of transport department has created this confusion.
Sudip Tamhankar of All Goa Bus Owners Association said that there has been systematic planning to wipe out local people from the business.
Pratima Coutinho President of Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress said that because of Goan drivers women are safe and there has been no case of molestation or rape reported unlike other states where the situation is different.
Shailendra Velingkar of Rising Goans said that tourism is kept alive by drivers who interact with tourists who first arrive in Goa.
Sarpanch and activist Siddhesh Bhagat alleged that with app-based taxi system government is corporatizing the taxi business in Goa.
Congress MLA Reginaldo Lourenco said that taxi operators are self-respected persons. He demanded that the government should come out with a solution on the issue considering views of all stakeholders.
