PANAJI: The Goa government has launched the ‘Goa Taxi Driver App’, under the tagline “Goa Taxi, Aamchi Taxi…”, in a bid to streamline taxi services and bring them under a digital platform, even as traditional taxi operators continue to oppose the move.
In a post on X today, the Department of Tourism announced the launch of the app with incentives, offering 25 litres of free fuel, petrol, diesel or CNG, to the first 500 drivers who complete 50 rides and remain active between 8 am and 8 pm for 30 days.
The launch comes even as public feedback on the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 remains open until June 30. Traditional operators fear that the policy could pave the way for national aggregators like Ola and Uber, threatening their livelihoods. Taxi unions have submitted over 1,000 objections and demand that the policy be scrapped.
The protests have also received political backing from the Opposition, activists, and coastal BJP MLAs Michael Lobo and Jit Arolkar, who have urged the government to pause the process and hold wider consultations.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, however, has clarified that the guidelines will not allow entry to national aggregators. “Taxi operators need not be in any sort of confusion. The guidelines do not aim to open floodgates for national cab aggregators like Ola and Uber,” he said.
Meanwhile, the policy has found support from the Transport Department and industry bodies like the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), and Assocham Goa, who see it as a step toward safer, more reliable, app-based transport, especially for tourists, women, and shift workers.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has maintained that participation is voluntary but essential to modernise the sector. Drivers using the app will not be required to install separate meters, as the platform will manage fare calculations digitally, Godinho stated.
The Transport Department has assured that all feedback will be reviewed before finalising the regulations.
