PANAJI
It's fare and square for tourist taxis in the State. From now on, tourist taxis will have to be fitted with digital fare meters with a printer and Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device.
The transport department plans to undertake a phased installation of the kits to the existing nearly 13,000 tourist taxis plying in the State, while making kits mandatory for new tourist taxi permits.
As per these new rules notified, every motor cab plying in the State shall be fitted with digital fare meters with a printer and a GPS tracking system, which is approved by the State Transport Department.
The Department has also stated that no new permit to a motor cab shall be granted or its existing permit renewed or no permit of a motor cab shall be transferred unless such motor cab is fitted with the digital meter. The digital meter shall be sealed at three points “ at the meter, junction box and the adopter.
Additionally, the taxi should bear an intact seal of the Legal Metrology Department to indicate that if the fare meter has been tested and is in working condition.
The Department has also warned that if any person breaks or tampers with the seal or finds marks placed on the fare meter with any specific intention, shall be liable for a penalty.
Any alterations to the fare meter is to carried out only by the Legal Metrology Department with the written permission of the Secretary, State Transport Authority.
Earlier, on July 2, the Directorate of Transport had made available to the public the draft rules of the Motor Vehicles Act and invited suggestions and objections from all those who were likely to be affected so that they could be taken into confidence during finalisation of the draft rules.
Speaking to The Goan, Transport Director Sunil Masurkar said, “The Transport Department has decided to implement it across the State.”
Informing further, Masurkar said, “The draft rules were open for suggestions and objections for 15 days. And now we have taken a decision to implement them in the State.”
Speaking further he said fitting of the kits will done in a phased manner. Although a time-frame is not set, all vehicles which have applied for new permits will have to fit the fare metres and the tracking device.
The exact cost of the meter kits and GPS systems were not available. However, sources within the Government informed that the a scheme is being worked out for the benefit of taxi owners so that they can avail of a subsidy to buy digital meters and GPS tracking system for the taxis.
Meanwhile, the All Goa Tourist Taxi Association has decided to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss issues related to rent-a-cabs in the State as well as fitting of digital fare meters.
