Team Herald
MARGAO: Taxi owners from South Goa and Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva met the Superintendent of Police and RTO authorities, seeking action against private taxis plying illegally in the district.
While SP Shekhar Prabhudessai has reportedly provided them the contact number of a flying squad, Assistant Director of Transport (enforcement) Pralhad Dessai has stated that they would intensify their drive against illegal private taxi operators.
“Over 800 private vehicles are ferrying tourists illegally in South Goa. The SP and the RTO have to take action as the private taxis have ruined our business” said Arelio Fernandes, a taxi owner.
He continued, “The SP has now provided the contact number of a flying squad, but the issue has been going on for a long time and our complaints have reached the authorities and the government. It’s time that the government intervened and solved the matter. We have spoken to the chief minister and he has promised to solve the issue within a month.”
“We have been taking action against the illegal taxi operators and will now intensify the drive,” added ADTE Dessai.
Meanwhile, calling for a solution to the issue so that no taxi driver is inconvenienced, MLA Silva stated, “The taxi owners always fall in trouble as they are dependent on one taxi, unlike the private taxi operators, who have multiple vehicles. The illegality and corruption starts from allowing these activities.”
