The motorcycle-pilot service is quite unique to Goa. During the late night hours this mode of transport comes to the rescue of commuters who have missed the last bus or need to reach the destination in quick time, either to catch a bus or the train.
This service is all the more useful for the women who have to reach home after dusk. But at present this noble profession seems to be dying a slow death.
Motorcyclists operating as “pilots” are seen waiting for passengers for a long time with very few citizens patronising them. There are several reasons for this -- everyone on the move owns a vehicle, be it a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler.
Many motorcycle ‘pilots’ may have opted out sensing bad days ahead. Some may also have taken a loan to buy a two-wheeler in order to earn a living. However there are also those who depend solely on the income generated from operating the motorcycle taxi.
The government needs to come up with a scheme to help these motorcycle pilots who have fallen on hard times.
