PANAJI
The Transport Department has begun cracking a whip on erring rental cab operators, directing that they operate only from their registered main office or designated branch offices, as permitted under their license.
In a public notice on Friday, the Department warned that licenses of violators would be suspended. “Offering rental cab services from public places such as airports and railway stations is in violation of the conditions and guidelines prescribed under the Rent-a-Cab Scheme, 1989,” the notice stated.
Citing Section 8(ii) of the scheme, the notice clarified that a license holder cannot shift the principal place of business mentioned in the license without prior written approval from the licensing authority.
The Department has thus directed the rent-a-cab operators to ensure their business is strictly from their registered main office or designated branch offices, as permitted under their license. “Operating from unauthorized public places such as Airports and Railway Stations without approval is a violation of the scheme and shall be viewed seriously. Failure to comply with the proscribed conditions shall invite appropriate legal action including suspension or cancellation of the license, as per the provisions of the scheme,” the notice further states.
Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek, on being contacted by The Goan, stated the department has written to the CEO of Manohar International Airport, Mopa and the Superintendent of Police, North Goa, for strict enforcement.
“We will be writing to other authorities as well for strict implementation,” he said, adding that the enforcement is effective immediately.
The Department acknowledged receiving several complaints including Mopa Airport, regarding unregulated rental cab services while also referring to guidelines from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on the matter.
