22 Oct 2020  |   05:26am IST

Govt says examining demands from cabbies to enforce uniform fares

Team Herald

PANJIM: The State government on Wednesday said it is examining demands from tourist taxi operators to enforce uniformity in taxi fares. The taxi owners have clearly indicated objection to low tariffs charged by GoaMiles, which has expanded its business across urban and rural areas. 

“I am examining. I cannot comment now,” the minister said in response to a media question. 

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho at Secretariat on Wednesday, the taxi owners said not only the travel fares have to be as per the government notified rates, locals should also get business. 

“There has to be uniformity in taxi fares. It should be equal for tourist taxis and GoaMiles. All should adhere to rates as per the government gazette, notified by Transport Department,” one of them said. 

The taxi operators cited that while charges from Dabolim airport is around Rs 1,200-1,300; GoaMiles charges around Rs 830-840, which is not acceptable. “Customers question us why are we charging them extra when GoaMiles fares are low. This is giving taxis a bad name. We therefore demand that taxi fares be uniform for all from point to point,” he said. 

The taxi owners also stated that any taxi driver charging more than the notified rate should face suspension of licence. 

The minister said the government will examine the issue and call for a meeting.