09 Apr 2021  |   06:13am IST

Tourism stakeholders amused at maximum taxi fare state wanting to hike ‘minimum fares’

‘Minimum’ taxi fares could be increased yet again in Goa and the government has decided to install metres in taxis in the next two weeks. The hike could have been announced after the metres were installed. Members of the tourism industry had their views on this development
Tourism stakeholders amused at maximum taxi fare state wanting to hike ‘minimum fares’

 This is one of the longest soap operas in the world. It has been going on for a couple of decades at the very least. The taxi drivers have always moved to their own beat. They charged rates as they saw fit. They were beyond legislation. In the recent past attempts have been made to introduce some rules and regulations. The prospect of introducing proper rates has always evoked strong emotions amongst the taxi operators. Now the government is considering increasing minimum fares Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said the state transport authority would soon take a decision to increase the minimum fares of taxis in the wake of high fuel prices. He also stated the fixing of digital fare meters would commence in two weeks. This begs the question as to why the process of increasing the fare is not done once the meters are installed. 

This has evoked mixed feelings amongst members of the hospitality industry. Serafin Cota of the Small and Medium Hotel Owners Association said the timing of the announcement looked like a bribe. He said “The taxi drivers have never been comfortable with a meter in their vehicle and now the minister says the ministry would soon take a decision to increase minimum fares should be seen in that light. By doing that he hopes they will take the meter. We have to see the end result. Some politicians who need the taxi drivers as a vote bank will back them and others will not be bothered. I strongly believe the assembly of forty will not think about the overall picture and no one will end up being happy.” 

Ajith Nair, Head of Sales and Marketing at The Zuri White Sands Goa felt the move to have meters as well as an increase in minimum fares made sense. He felt it would be a far better move than what was presently on. He said “It will bring clarity as to how we can operate in Goa. Otherwise there is no control. Some checks and balances will come into place. Earlier it was a rough calculation as to how much one would have to pay.” 

Savio Messias , hotelier and former head of TTAG was adamant when he said it was impossible to implement a move to install meters in two weeks. He said “I spoke to the company that will manufacture the meters. They have not started production. The work order has not been given. The manufacturer wants to do trials. This talk of increasing minimum fares has to be competitive when compared to other states. Tariffs have to be compared to what is being charged in other states. How do we compare rates here? It has to be compared with rates charged by Ola and Uber. The minister claims he is doing this because of an increase in fuel prices. But that is fluctuating every day. We need to have dynamic pricing. All this needs to be thought out.” He went on to say that rates were notified three to four months ago and now the process was going to recommence yet again. Savio said it was pertinent to remember that taxi rates in Goa were the highest in the country. 

The importance of conducting everything in a transparent manner was emphasized by Nilesh Shah President TTAG. He said “We have no problems with the pricing but it has to be transparent. Whatever is decided has to be implemented properly. I strongly believe competition should be allowed which means Ola and Uber should be in Goa. I believe the taxi drivers should be encouraged to bring out their own apps if they wish to”. 

Anand Chatterjee GM Planet Hollywood Beach Resort felt the industry ought to be based on competition and an app would provide everyone with an even playing field. Otherwise he felt in a monopoly everyone would be forced to comply. He said “I am not saying it is right or wrong but transport in Goa is very expensive. We are talking about getting meters installed and minimum rates increased. The reality on the ground should not be ignored.” 

Another hotelier who has a property in the north but did not want to come on record due to the sensitivities involved felt that considering what had happened in the past when such promises were made, it would be prudent to wait and watch. The meters, he felt, could be installed but not in two weeks as was envisaged by the minister but perhaps in a couple of months. With regards to the increase in the minimum rates, he laughed and said it would just continue to highlight the point that it was very expensive to travel within the state. Certain members of the political class he said had too much to lose in this fight and it was in their interest to keep this situation as is. He however expressed the hope that everyone concerned would display sagacity and ensure the hospitality industry was not burdened with this problem in the future.

 


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar