PANAJI: Accusing the state government of bypassing stakeholders while formulating the newly notified Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025, the Goa Forward Party (GFP) extended full support to traditional taxi operators. GFP President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai made the remarks after meeting with a delegation of taxi operators who visited his office today to express their strong opposition to the new policy, published in the Official Gazette on May 20.
Addressing the delegation's concerns, Sardesai criticised the state government for introducing the guidelines without consulting key stakeholders. “There was a clear consensus during the last session of the Goa Legislative Assembly that any major policy shift or regulatory change concerning the taxi business would involve stakeholder consultations. This assurance given in the House has clearly been violated,” he said.
Sardesai expressed scepticism about the government’s track record with transport reforms. The government earlier brought in meters, speed governors, and GPS tracking devices, all of which failed. “Only the suppliers of these devices and certain ministers profited. Are these new guidelines also aimed at benefiting ministers?” he asked.
Raising concerns about the potential influx of aggregators into the state, Sardesai said, “There is no clarity on how many cab aggregators will be allowed. Aggregators from across India can now enter Goa. Is this the model of tourism we want?”
He emphasised that tourism in Goa should primarily benefit the local population. “Tourists come to Goa for its unique identity and Goan hospitality. If tourism is handed over to outsiders, what remains of our identity? Traditional Goan taxi drivers, sons of the soil, know Goa best and must be the first beneficiaries of Goa's tourism economy,” Sardesai stated.
However, he also underlined the need to maintain affordability and competitiveness. “The cost of tourism services cannot become so inflated that tourists stop coming to Goa. We must strike a balance,” he added.
Sardesai assured the operators that the Goa Forward Party would study the guidelines thoroughly and submit formal objections and suggestions.
