Team Herald
MARGAO: Cavelossim panchayat has decided to intervene and avoid any face-off between the local taxi owners and the app-based taxis that ply to the coastal destination to ferry tourists.
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Recently, local taxi owners and drivers from Cavelossim village in a meeting with the Sarpanch Dixon Vaz at the Panchayat Ghar sought the latter’s support in saving their business and livelihood.
Local cabbies claimed that the operations of GoaMiles taxis are encroaching upon their traditional business and livelihood. The increase in private vehicles offering taxi services was also cited as another factor affecting their income.
Furthermore, the taxi owners and drivers alleged that hotel staff is involved in booking private taxis within their establishments and neglecting the local taxi services. Taxi owners also pointed out that many star hotels that host weddings and conferences are opting for coaches and mini-buses to transport guests, further reducing their customer base.
Responding to the grievances, Sarpanch Dixon Vaz proposed a plan of action including holding meetings with hotel managements and staff to resolve the booking issues. Vaz said that he will seek an increase in police patrolling and prevent illegal parking of GoaMiles vehicles within the village jurisdiction.
In addition, he said, a request has been made to the Chief Minister to address the concerns of the local taxi operators and resolve the issues in the interest of the local tourism industry.
The growing tensions within the taxi industry and the impact of changing market dynamics on traditional operators were also discussed during the meeting.
