Goa is losing its charm for tourists and locals alike due to the ongoing taxi fare crisis. Both foreign and Indian tourists are shocked by the high fares charged for short distances. Locals are also burdened, often forced to pay "up and down" charges even when traveling one way. What kind of business model makes customers pay for the return trip? The absence of competition and ride-hailing services like Ola/Uber has created a monopoly, with taxi unions setting prices without regulation. This is damaging Goa’s image and tourism industry. Tourists have started choosing affordable destinations like Kerala and Thailand. The government must intervene and set fair, transparent taxi rates. Goans who speak Konkani and know the routes should be supported”but not at the cost of overcharging. This issue affects everyone, and cannot be ignored to protect political vote banks. We urge the Transport Minister and the government to act with courage and revise taxi fares. It’s time to prioritize the rights of citizens and tourists over vested interests.
