Written objections argue that app-based system ignores key concerns of traditional taxis
PANAJI
Compromising passenger safety, widening inequality in the business and destabilising livelihood are some of the grounds cited by the tourist taxi operators to oppose the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025. The Transport Department received over 1,600 objections from the aggrieved operators on Monday, figures which it described as less than 10 per cent of those registered in the State.
One of the main concerns of taxi owners is the ambiguity surrounding fare regulation stating that the draft refers to a fare structure under Schedule I but provides no clarity on how these fares will be set or revised.
“This lack of transparency may lead to arbitrary pricing by aggregators, adversely affecting passengers and drivers alike. I urge the government to provide a detailed framework for fare determination that considers factors such as demand, distance, and operational costs,” the written objections stated. Taxi operators also criticised the lack of transitional support. Although existing aggregators can operate until their licences expire, the guidelines have no provision for smaller, local operators to adapt to new regulations. They argued that the absence of a phased compliance plan would leave them vulnerable and unable to compete on equal footing with larger, well-funded platforms.
Driver welfare remains another flashpoint wherein the taxi operators pointed out that the draft is silent on critical aspects such as job security, working conditions and fair wages for drivers affiliated with aggregator platforms. They raised apprehensions that without mandated safeguards, many drivers could face exploitation.
Environmental sustainability, too, appeared to be an afterthought in the draft as submissions pointed to the absence of incentives for electric vehicles or other eco-friendly transport solutions.
“In a State that has positioned itself as a green tourism hub, lack of environmental provisions was described by some as a missed opportunity to align transport reform with climate goals,” the objections stated.
A practical challenge voiced by many operators is the unreliable mobile network in several parts of the State.
Taxi owners operating along the Konkan Railway network, particularly at Thivim station, voiced fears over the unchecked entry of aggregators. Moreover, many taxi owners have invested in their vehicles based on long-standing agreements with railway authorities and rely solely on this income.
“App-based taxi services, backed by large corporate entities, operate on dynamic pricing models that initially lure customers with discounted rates but later impose surge pricing. This unfair competition will lead to an unjust economic imbalance, disproportionately affecting small taxi operators who have been lawfully operating at the railway station for years. If permitted, such services will reduce earnings, drastically destabilise our business, and render many unemployed,” reads another objection.
Traffic congestion, chaotic pick-ups and drop-offs, and a surge in passenger complaints are likely after aggregators’ entry at the Thivim railway station, it added.
“Tourist taxis are registered with background checks and verifications done but what about passengers’ safety while they travel through aggregators that function without direct oversight from authorities. It is difficult to ensure driver verification, fare regulation, and passenger grievance redressal. Passengers are overcharged, harassed or face security threats due to unregulated app-based taxi services,” the objections further reads.
