MAPUSA
In a bid to streamline operations and alleviate financial burdens, the North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association has called for vehicle dealers and companies to provide pre-fitted or company-fitted speed governors.
The demand was voiced during Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ programme in Anjuna and Calangute, where taxi operators presented a memorandum outlining their grievances.
Taxi operators emphasised the inconvenience caused by the absence of pre-installed speed limit devices, which not only disrupts the vehicle's performance but also necessitates additional expenses in the form of higher insurance premiums.
They lamented that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is withholding fitness certificates until speed governing devices are installed, further exacerbating their challenges.
Additionally, the taxi association raised concerns about the unchecked proliferation of private cars being rented out illegally in the state. They urged authorities to clamp down on this practice, asserting that it undermines their livelihood and violates regulatory standards.
Another issue brought to light was the delayed communication of traffic fines issued through CCTV cameras, often received after the vehicle has been returned by the customer.
Taxi operators demanded prompt notification of such fines to facilitate timely recovery from offenders.
Furthermore, the association called for the scrapping of app-based taxi services, alleging adverse effects on their earnings and job security.
The memorandum presented to the chief minister underscores the pressing need for regulatory reforms to support the taxi industry and ensure fair competition in the State's transportation sector.
