PANAJI: In the wake of the Karnataka High Court's directive halting bike taxi services in the state, Goa’s Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has called on the Goa government to act swiftly and decisively to protect the livelihood of traditional motorcycle pilots.
With app-based bike taxi services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido suspending operations in Karnataka in compliance with the court's order, Alemao warned that a similar scenario in Goa could jeopardise the livelihood of thousands of self-employed motorcycle pilots, a profession deeply rooted in Goan culture.
“This is a wake-up call. The government must recognise Goa’s motorcycle pilot service as a legitimate and traditional form of livelihood and ensure it is shielded from any potential court-imposed bans,” Alemao said in a statement on Thursday.
He pointed out that the primary reason for judicial bans in other states is the absence of a clear regulatory framework governing bike taxi operations. “If we do not fill these gaps in Goa, our traditional pilots too may face legal hurdles,” he cautioned.
Alemao described motorcycle pilots as trusted and hospitable Goemkars who have served the state for decades. “They are not just transport providers; their families depend entirely on this income. The government must proactively frame policies to protect them and prevent their service from being equated with unregulated aggregators.”
Alemao also said he would raise the issue in the upcoming assembly session and seek the support of all MLAs to secure legal protection and recognition for the motorcycle pilot community.
