Team Herald
MARGAO: After a meeting with local taxi drivers, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas remarked that the
Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to choose their occupation, and as such, the government cannot compel taxi operators to join any app-based services.
He met with taxi operators from Benaulim constituency, who expressed solidarity with their counterparts in Pernem. The Pernem taxi operators had recently called off their protest, and
the Benaulim group extended their support while demanding the
cessation of what they described to be the “illegal” operations of the app-based service, GoaMiles, within their area.
“Goa Miles is functioning illegally in our constituency, and we have established this in the Assembly. We are committed to ensuring that GoaMiles vehicles are not permitted to park within Benaulim,” Viegas asserted.
Clarifying the position of the cabbies, Viegas explained that they only oppose the app-based service picking up passengers at hotels with designated taxi stands. “We do not have an issue with GoaMiles picking up passengers from private residences. We encourage Goans to utilise online services but urge them to respect the traditional occupation at hotels with existing taxi stands, which accounts for only about 10 percent of the total business,” he explained after his discussions with the taxi operators.
Viegas also felt the government had not handled the Pernem taxi driver agitation in a transparent manner and that their demand to remove the GoaMiles counter at the Mopa Airport remains unaddressed.
In preparation for the upcoming tourist season, Viegas mentioned that the taxi operators have resolved to formally approach the Regional Transport Office (RTO), police, and traffic department to address their grievances.