It is one of the oldest problems that have been afflicting the tourism industry in the state. A taxi conglomerate that does what it feels with the backing of politicians who prefer to sit in the background. No one seems prepared to bell the cat.
I think it is a wrong move to ask for the scrapping of the app. The government should realise Goa Miles is being used by tourists and locals as well. Would they like to see locals suffer? Goa does not have a good transport system. When a system is coming in place, it is being destroyed. Technology is here to stay. Who is stopping the taxi drivers from starting their own app. The Government cannot be blackmailed; it will be a disaster for Goa. The taxi meters have not been implemented, despite the high court verdict. We are asking for trouble in the long run.
Nilesh Shah President TTAG
We are in the 21st Century and technology is the future. We are losing and will continue to lose as a destination if we continue to operate like we did fifteen or twenty years ago. There are app based taxis in the rest of the country, we cannot be different on this score. My advice to taxi drivers is that they should either come on board or create a new app. Now a large number of tourists are driving in because the impression has been created that the taxi service in Goa is expensive. With an app everything is transparent, everyone should adopt it.
Earnest Dias VP Kuoni Travels India
It is horrible whatever that is happening, how can you scrap a service that is beneficial to tourists. What is the rationale? There should be competition.
Jack Sukhija Welcome Heritage Panjim Inn
Goa Miles as a platform has proved itself. My family has used it and has been very happy when they have been able to access it. This is due to the fact not many taxi drivers are on it. I would urge my local taxi driver to sign. If left to the choice of the people, they would certainly subscribe because they would have choices – Aditya Mukharji , Ladakh and Goa sustainable Tourism
I think a balance of taxi drivers and those who want to be part of the app would be very good. With the app, rates have been rationalised when charging exorbitant rates was par for the course. It made no sense.
Prashant Maurya India Invites
We would have preferred to have Ola and Uber in Goa, they were interested in coming but the Goa Govt decided to come out with its own app Goa Miles which we welcomed. It made a difference because you could call a taxi on your fingertips. I strongly believe the service should continue and it is very shortsighted on the part of the Goa taxi owners who don’t want to adopt technology. Some of the politicians are making unnecessary noises which will soon destroy Goa just like how mining was destroyed.
Savio Messias Hotelier
