Warns taxi operators against blocking GoaMiles
VASCO
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Saturday made it clear that app-based aggregators such as Ola and Uber “will not be welcomed in Goa,” citing operational failures, unresolved service issues, and unsustainable payment models observed in other states.
Godinho was speaking to reporters at the Goa Hyundai showroom in Verna after handing over 50 new CNG-powered taxis to beneficiaries under Phase V of the Mukhyamantri Goencho Taxi Patrao (MGTP) Scheme.
Explaining the government’s stance, Godinho said he had personally interacted with drivers from other states and studied the functioning of leading aggregators. “I have seen Ola and Uber operate elsewhere and even spoken to several drivers. At the moment, these companies are facing all sorts of problems. In Goa, Ola delivered some electric bikes and their dealership had to shut down because they could not service the vehicles. Their issues are in the public domain, and their model of paying very little to drivers simply will not work here,” he said.
He described the MGTP initiative as a home-grown success that has grown far beyond initial expectations. “MGTP began as a small initiative launched by me under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, but today it has become a model for the country. GoaMiles had its own challenges but they overcame them. They now have around 5,000 taxis and have crossed one crore passengers — that is a success story,” Godinho noted.
“We have 300 beneficiaries under MGTP earning nearly one lakh rupees a month, and this data is documented. Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanvar has even said he will adopt this initiative, and I believe it will go pan-India. Goa is a brand name, and we must capitalise on it.”
Godinho also issued a stern warning to traditional taxi operators who obstruct GoaMiles vehicles at hotels and tourist hubs. “We are seeing videos flooding online of tourists being forced to walk more than a kilometre with luggage because GoaMiles taxis are blocked from entering at some places and starred hotels by local tourist taxi unions. Tourists are saying they will not return to Goa if this continues. This is an ugly situation and unacceptable for Goa which is a tourist State and an international tourism destination,” he said.
“We have reached a point of no return. Strong action will follow, and people will see it in the coming days. The Tourism Minister, the Chief Minister and I have discussed this matter but I cannot make it public as of now. We cannot tolerate any form of dadagiri that harms tourism.”
He added that Goa must prepare for a newer, more discerning class of travellers as cruise arrivals increase. “With the new cruise terminal coming up, we need to be equally classy. There is enough business for everyone. It is time taxi operators cool their heads, stop opposing for the sake of opposing, and support government initiatives,” Godinho said.
