U-turn: Minister hails taximen as true tourism ambassadors

Blue Cab Prepaid Taxi counter inaugurated at Mopa airport

THE GOAN NETWORK | FEBRUARY 03, 2024, 11:49 PM IST
U-turn: Minister hails taximen  as true tourism ambassadors

Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho inaugurates the Blue Cab Prepaid Taxi counter inaugurated at Mopa airport in the presence of Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar and others.

PERNEM

Describing taxi operators as the true tourism ambassadors in the State, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said they play an important role in ensuring that tourists have a good experience and impression of Goa.

Speaking after inaugurating the Blue Cab Prepaid Taxi counter at Manohar International Airport (MIA) at Mopa on Saturday, Godinho said taxi operators come in direct contact with tourists right from their arrival in the State.

“Taxi operators should deal with them professionally so that the prestige of the State is enhanced and a large number of tourists come to Goa,” said Godinho.

Stating that the Blue Cab Prepaid Taxi counter at MIA was for the benefit of taxi operators from Pernem taluka, the minister appealed to the taximen in Pernem to remain united and provide good service to tourists.

Godinho admitted that there had been certain technical difficulties in setting up the counter earlier.

“Taxi operators had staged agitations to demand the Blue Cab Prepaid Taxi counter and we were engaged in regular discussions with them. There had been some delay in setting up the counter on account of technical difficulties and procedures, because the MIA is owned by a private player. But we were confident that the Blue Cab Prepaid Taxi counter would be set up and it has finally materialised,” said Godinho, while acknowledging the support from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the matter.

He also promised to hold a meeting with industries in case local entrepreneurs did not get business at the MIA.

Others present on the occasion included Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, President of Taxi Association Sanjay Kambli, Sarpanch of Chandel-Hasapur and President of Pernem BJP Mandal Tulsidas Gawas, Sarpanch of Tambse-Mopa-Ugvem Subodh Mahale, Sarpanch of Kasarwarne Avni Gad, members of various panchayats, President of All Goa Taxi Association Chetan Kamat and representatives of various taxi organisations.

Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar said many people had struggled for the taxi counter and thanked the chief minister and transport minister for making it possible. He appealed to all taxi operators to remain united and do their business there.

Chandel-Hasapur Sarpanch Tulsidas Gawas and Tambse-Mopa-Ugvem Sarpanch Subodh Mahale, Gajendra Gadekar and All Goa Tourist Taxi Association President Chetan Kamat also spoke on this occasion.

Share this