The people’s outrage against the current
taxi system in Goa has been merely out of having suffered enough over the
years. The unregulated taxi system that is infamous for being operated as per
the whims and fancies of cabbies has tested the patience of locals and tourists
alike for long. And let’s be honest – it isn’t all about Ola or Uber. The
demand is merely for some discipline to be brought into this system of
transport that has a direct impact on the state’s tourism industry. The demand
is to provide the locals with a robust public transport system – a luxury that
has worked wonders in other parts of the country. This, apart from ironing out
multiple other issues related to public transport, will also, in a way, boost
Goan nightlife.
App based or metered taxis, by bringing in
complete transparency into the system, stand to make the lives of everyone a
lot more comfortable. Ashish Singh, a regular party-goer living along the
Calangute-Candolim belt, says, “Currently, people use taxis only when all other
options of transport are exhausted. Everyone wants to stay away from the taxi
operators as much as possible because of the unpleasant experience that they
provide. Once the system is regulated and is made more convenient for all, we
can expect to see a lot of locals making use of taxis on a regular basis. Apart
from reducing traffic on the roads, cabs can also be useful on weekends where
party goers can pamper themselves with a drink or two, knowing that they do not
have to drive back home.”
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A couple of weeks ago, when the voice
against the taxi mafia was at its loudest in the state, many took to social
media, asking for Ola and Uber to be allowed to start operations in Goa. But is
such dependency healthy for Goa in the long run? Or can a similar enterprise be
setup right here in Goa? A prominent restaurateur from Calangute, on condition
of anonymity, says, “Not just the taxis but the new government can even
regularise the auto rickshaws. With companies like Ola and Uber now offering
services in taxis and autos, we can bring about a welcome change in Goa. They
say a developed nation is not determined by the power of regular commuters to
travel by their own cars, but by the trust, use and belief in the public
transport service. Goa being a tourist destination, we have a culture of
tourism. There are bound to be drinking and driving cases, which will be put to
rest here, thus saving the lives of so many. Considering that Goa is the
smallest state of India yet the worst and least connected by public transport,
this service is an absolute must.”
Currently, if one needs to have their share
of weekend partying or indulge in a drink or two, relying on your teetotaller friends
who can drive you home safe is the only option. Having a regulated cab system
will allow the locals the convenience of not having to drive in an inebriated
state, thus preventing cases of drunk driving. Pranay Purohit, a popular
promoter of events who also works with a prominent nightclub in Anjuna, says,
“The taxi mafia issue needs to be dealt with on priority basis. It’s almost
like if it isn’t sorted out now, it’s going to be too late. They won’t let
Uber/Ola enter the market, which is still ok if they do their work properly.
The exorbitant prices, the rude behaviour, etc is actually making tourists
choose other locations over Goa. The government needs to realise the gravity of
this issue before it escalates into something that we can’t then fix. All the
taxis should be under one union, which will have their fixed set of rules,
suspension of license on not obeying the above, and should be followed
religiously.”
