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 save the locals, the tourists and all
those who are not taxi drivers from being fleeced and
physically assaulted by the taxi mafia.
Ashika Chauhan, an architect from Baroda who
was recently in Goa for a quick vacation, finds it
difficult to believe that an international tourist
destination like Goa does not have a reliable and
convenient taxi system. Chauhan says, “App based taxi
service eliminates any or all confusion/possibilities
of argument related to the fare. Every kilometre is
counted and the fare is charged accordingly. The exact
fare to reach your desired destination is displayed on
the app even before you board the cab. It is absolutely
hassle-free.”
App based or metered taxis, by brining in complete
transparency into the system, stand to make the lives
of everyone a lot more comfortable. Fredson D’Mello,
a chartered accountant from Panjim, 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.”
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 set up right here in Goa? This will also
ensure that the Goan taxi operators remain employed
and because of their native language and familiarity,
can instead be ambassadors of Goa. Ashish Gaonkar,
a management professional from Mapusa, says, “Let
us not get carried away by the situation and make
unreasonable demands. The taxi system is as much of
a problem as unemployment in the state is. Whatever
the solution – it has to be a responsible one. A Goan
enterprise that functions on a somewhat similar model
as that of Ola or Uber, but one that employs Goan
taxi operators, seems to be the most obvious and allround
solution to the current set of problems
