PANJIM: Extending support to the State government’s decision not to scrap GoaMiles taxi service, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that the app-based service is getting positive response from the general public as well as the visitors arriving in Goa. The saffron party alleged that Goa’s image has been diminished due to few taxi operators. 

Addressing media persons on Sunday, BJP general secretary Damodar Naik said that party extends its full support to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant who has refused to bow down to the pressure tactics of the taxi operators and stood firm in promoting the app-based taxi service GoaMiles. 

Naik said GoaMiles service is getting positive response from locals and the tourists visiting the State. He said that people are happy with the service provided by GoaMiles as there is complete transparency. 

“The government’s decision to support and promote app-based taxi service is in the larger interest of the State and the tourists visiting this international tourism destination. The chief minister’s stand is considering the general public perception and the views of the industrial body,” Naik said adding that almost 95 percent of the people including educationists, experts, trade bodies and tourism stakeholders, have supported government’s decision. 

The BJP leader pointed out that the app-based service, which is currently provided by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), ensures that one percent of the total revenue collected is kept towards welfare of taxi operators and also assures monthly business and Rs 1,500 per day benefit in case of accidents. "It is actually a win-win- situation for government, taxi operators and tourists,” Naik said. 

BJP general secretary Sadanand Tanawade said due to few taxi operators, Goa's image as tourism destination has diminished.