PANJIM: Installing digital meters and global positioning systems (GPS) in almost 20,000 taxis across State will take some time as Transport Department is working in association with Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) to tighten loopholes that could lead to customers being cheated.
Following the High Court directions on fixing of the meters, Transport Department has commenced framing guidelines for their installation in taxis in Goa.
Transport Director Nikhil Desai said the department is planning a system that won’t allow any cheating once digital meters and the GPS are installed and hence the work has been assigned to GEL which will look into the technical aspects of the project.
He said that all the taxis will be tracked via GPS by Transport Department and the Police. “It is a new technology that we are trying to develop in Goa. We want to track the taxis. Each and every aspect is being considered. If GPS is not analysed than what is the use of installing it, that is the reason we have tied up with GEL for a comprehensive project,” Desai said.
He added, “Technologically we want to make sure that there is no cheating going on after it is implemented. With the GPS we will also get to know the exact kilometres run on a daily basis.”
He said that the draft will be ready by this week and will be placed before the government for approval. After approval the final draft will be taken up for implementation.
“We have requested GEL to indentify the technical aspects. It has GPS, digital meter, printer and panic button. We want to know the best technology available before it can be implemented. We don’t want systems that will collapse after six months. All these factors are being considered. Not only will taxi operators get a good deal and reliable meters but people will also be use of that,” he said.
Desai said that once the device is approved the department will look for companies that can provide the meters and GPS systems and timeframe for the production. “We want everything in place, like vendors and its service etc, there will be also multiple vendors so that taxi operators will have choice,” he said.
