As expected, the Goa Chief Minister has succumbed to protest threats by the taxi unions. With almost zilch competition, city taxis will continue to fleece tourists. This is not what is expected from a state whose economy relies heavily on tourism for sustenance.
Goa’s CM has spinelessly caved in to the taxi union demands… err, threats, banning Ola and Uber to protect their extortionist grip on tourists and locals. This betrayal of a tourism-dependent state ensures visitors will keep getting fleeced by overpriced, unchecked city taxis. Instead of fostering competition and fairness, the CM’s cowardice prioritises thuggish unions over Goa’s economy and reputation.
The coastal belt MLAs have stood solidly behind the taxi mafia in order to not lose their traditional vote bank. Shameful, short-sighted and utterly corrupt, ultimately the state of Goa is the loser. As it is, the tourism industry is in the doldrums; we will see many more visitors choosing alternative destinations now. The fate of the Goamiles ride-hailing services also hangs in the balance. I am sure the resident taxi hoodlums will slowly dismantle it, aided and abetted by a lily-livered sarkar.
