Hundreds of taxi operators and drivers on Monday reportedly thronged the office of the Department of Transport, Panaji and submitted their objections to the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 which has the potential to change the state’s tourism transport landscape if implemented besides affecting the livelihood of taxi operators. There is the question of poor mobile network, lack of access to smartphones and limited digital literacy among a segment of the taxi operators. While unveiling the draft policy, the Transport department has also reportedly proposed that the motorcycle taxi service should also be app-based. Motorcycle taxi service is unique to the state of Goa. These motorcycle pilots are available even at odd hours when there is no other transport service available. This is useful for stranded passengers, especially women who can be assured of reaching their homes safely. These motorcycle pilots should be allowed to conduct their business freely as they have been giving hassle-free service to the passengers. It is learnt that these motorcycle pilots have been largely ignored by the government which has reportedly stopped schemes for the welfare of the motorcycle pilots.
