VASCO
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday said the Transport department would carry out an audit on the number of taxis operating at Dabolim airport.
Godinho was speaking to reporters at Dabolim Airport after an event to launch the Goa’s first Anti-Viral Coating station for taxis operating under GoaMiles.
“I have already instructed my transport director to get a detailed report on the number of taxis operating, how they are operating and how much more taxis are needed at the airport.”
“A lot of people coming for permission and if we start giving everyone permissions, there could be chaos and there will be no space for parking which is currently happening at certain places. This is one reason why I have sought an audit, to regulate the taxi business.”
“But no matter what steps the government takes, it is not possible without the support of stakeholders and I want the co-operation of taxi operators and airport officials, local and traffic police, directorate of transport and all relevant departments connected to the airport,” said Godinho.
Commenting on the Anti-Viral Coating of GoaMiles taxis, Godinho said this was the first time in the country that such a sanitisation initiative was being taken.
“GoaMiles is taking steps to safeguard safety of passengers. This is the second step taken by the Goa Airport, the first one was to offer Free Kadha to passengers.”
“I am sure that by December, we will have the same number of people arriving in the State that used to arrive before Covid and the government has already taken the right step in this direction,” said Godinho.
‘Surprise checks for GoaMiles drivers on SOPs’
VASCO: Stating that all GoaMiles drivers are equipped with a sanitiser bottle and are required to wear face masks, GoaMiles Operations Director Parashar Pai Khot said surprise checks would be conducted to check compliance of safety norms.
“Commonly used surfaces like the handle, inner handle, and seat to be cleaned/wiped before and after every ride with a sanitiser.”
“A driver can cancel the ride in case passengers are not adhering to the ‘No Mask No Ride’ principle. This is to ensure safety of both, passengers as well as our drivers.”
“The driver shall not be a part of any gathering or group discussion and should sit in their vehicles with windows open to safeguard their health and the passenger’s health.”
“Drivers have to provide immediate intimation to GoaMiles operations centre if they observe any unusual/derogatory behaviour while on duty. Selected GoaMiles vehicles are equipped with a protective plastic panel separating the driver and the passenger,” added Khot.
