The gathering of tourist taxi operators from all over Goa at Ponda to express their unhappiness and claim that they have been treated unfairly is a right they have. But the countless tourists who have been at the wrong end of their rough treatment, have an equal right to demand an absolute control over the tourist taxi business, where tourists will not be fleeced and taxi operators can do legitimate business.
Both ends of the bargain can easily be achieved if the whole issue is not seen through the prism of perceived unfairness by the tourist taxi operators when the issue is simply about regulation and standard and fair rates. This is something that every tourist taxi operator has to agree to and fall in line with. And arguments have to be contested.
On a point wise basis and with facts, questions will be asked on each of the points raised by taxi operators, keeping in mind their genuine concerns which also need to be accepted. However it was extremely surprising that in such a crucial meeting the taxi owners did not state that they were committed to installing digital meters so that adhoc rates were not charged and the customer paid a genuine rate for his travel. The installation of meters is now going to be mandatory and its implementation will be pressed for. The taxi operators seem to fathom that the installation of taxi metres will be stalled by some pre-ordained invisible force. As a responsible, or that’s what they are expected to be, stakeholders, a responsible response to how they are planning to help in the roll out of the installation of the digital taxi meters, is the least that should have emerged from the meeting.
Here are some points raised by the taxi operators in the meeting held at Ponda on Monday with our comments:
a) Other private taxi drivers charge exorbitant rates and have opposed the installation of GPS in their vehicles
RESPONSE: There is no evidence of this at all. In any case every city has radio cabs, metered private cabs which can be hired off the kerb on through phone bookings and private cars hired especially in the super speciality segment. Ultimately the forces of demand and supply will take over. If the private cabs owners charge higher rates, they will get less business or a different kind of clientele. Meanwhile radio cabs or registered cabs available on the phone or off the street will also have a steady business because rates will be rationalised and there will be no harassment and fleecing.
b) The number of motorcycle pilots should be brought down as they are “looting customers”
RESPONSE: Motorcycle pilots are an institution in Goa. And they serve as the last mile connectivity in remote villages where no buses go. Are the private taxi operators so insensitive to demand a reduction of motorcycle pilots, which serve locals more than tourists? Motorcycle pilots cater to a different need and hardly take business away from taxis. And yes, if a solo traveller prefers to take a pilot between Candolim and Baga rather than pay Rs 800 for a taxi ride, he should have that choice
c) There are taxi operators who are operating illegally and not paying any taxes to the government. The government has not touched their operation
RESPONSE: This is a valid point made by the taxi operators. There cannot be any place for illegal operators in the system. In fact the system should see to it that non state actors, like taxis operating without registration or control are evicted from the system
d) Taxi operators depend on tourists for 7 months a year and struggle for the other five months
RESPONSE: There is a solution to this but let’s get the facts right first. Goa is clearly a 9 to 10 month tourist destination and is getting to be a round the year destination. The reason why taxis are doing less business is because of the way they conduct themselves. If they did not charge the highest taxi rates anywhere in the country, which get even higher on long weekends and festivals and with tourists unable to book cabs, they would get more business. Period.
Clearly, tourist taxi operators need to get real and stop playing the victim card. The tourism industry, its stakeholders and the tourist himself have been at the receiving end of their behaviour inflicting serious damage to the goose that lays the golden egg. It is time to course correct.
