VASCO: United Taximen Union (UTU) President Sanjay Naik said the taxi app service would destroy their traditional business.
Speaking to reporters during their protest at Dabolim airport on Monday evening, Naik said the counter being run by another taxi union had suddenly been used for the taxi app without taking other stakeholders into confidence. “We had met all MLAs of Mormugao taluka, who informed us that GTDC had not informed them either about this development. What was the need for a counter for an app-based service at the airport, when services would be available on mobile phones,” asked Naik. “We also met the South Goa collector who informed us that the business of taxi app cannot be conducted from the airport and that the counter was only meant for promotion.” “We request Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to intervene in the matter as all taxi unions across Goa have opposed the taxi app,” said Naik.
Naik said their union had been demanding a counter and parking for a long period. “However, the government has sidelined us by ensuring parking facilities and a counter for outsiders to eat into the Goan taxi business. The GTDC claims that thousands of taxis have registered with the Goa Miles taxi app, but this is a fictitious figure and only a few cars have been registered,” said Naik, adding that the UTU would oppose the GTDC’s app-based services.
