TEAM HERALD
[email protected]
PANJIM: A state-appointed committee has recommended a 50 per cent increase in ferry tariffs, which comes as a welcome step to generate revenue for the cash-strapped River Navigation Department. The revision of taxi fares is
also under consideration of the government, even as there has been no progress on the mandatory installation of meters by taxi operators.
The RND committee, is learnt to have put forth several options before the government for consideration and approval. One recommendation suggests introduction of passenger fare of Rs 1 per head and Rs 2 per two-wheeler, while another recommendation calls for introduction of a fare of Rs 2 for passengers and Rs 5 for two-wheelers. A 50 per cent hike is proposed in four-wheeler fares.
These recommendations have been made by the committee to improve the functioning and revenues of the department.
The department being a public utility one, the suggestions made by the committee in its report are under review of the government after considering various aspects, as disclosed in a written reply by RND Minister Sudin Dhavalikar while replying to queries raised by Porvorim legislator Rohan Khaunte and Bicholim legislator Pramod Sawant in the Goa assembly earlier this week.
The committee was appointed under the chairmanship of secretary (IWT) and secretary (law), joint secretary (finance), Captain of Ports, administrative and accounts officer and senior superintendent (workshop/traffic) as members.
The revenue earned by the department from April 2012 to February 2013 is Rs 114 lakhs through sale of tickets (which contributed Rs 92 lakhs), passes, scrap, renting of jetties and sale of tender forms and waste paper.
Another reply discloses that the government is exploring new ferry routes for the convenience of commuters.
“Presently there are 21 ferry routes and 31 ferry boats in operation.,” Dhavalikar stated.
TAXI FARES: Transport Director Arun Dessai admitted that there has been no progress on installation of meters for taxis as yet, despite complaints by tourists and locals alike and assurances by the authorities and court orders.
He however, said that they were trying to fix rates, in a bid to compromise with the transport lobby, despite allegations of their bad service and irresponsible behavior as far as rates are concerned.
“We are trying to put it (proposal) together. But till such time it is not done, we are trying to come up with a fare table to fix point to point charges,” he told media.
Dessai said the rates had been submitted last week and that “we will compare it with the existing rates and then evaluate it.”
According to Dessai, this was an interim decision. The rates charged by rickshaws have come under fire from both locals and tourists alike. With the road transport system being in shambles, locals are left at the mercy of the rickshaw drivers who also charge according to their whims. However, till date, despite lots of assurances, nothing has been done on this front.
