Goa is a tourist paradise thanks to bountiful Mother Nature, pristine coastal beaches and abundance of religious and historical sites to visit. Of the three requirements for good tourist place of hotels, food and transportation, the first two offer choices aplenty.
A convenient and affordable transportation in Goa has always been a perennial problem. Over the years whenever I have come down to Goa from the US it has just turned worse.
Airport Taxi: This is May 31st 2017 and my flight to Dabolim by Jet Airways from Mumbai was reaching at 6:30am. Last year I was quoted Rs 750 plus Rs 250 early morning charge bringing the fare to Rs 1000. This was based on fare to Panjim for 34 Km while my apartment at Milroc was only 26 km. But that didn’t matter, there was no prorating of the fare. This time I noted that Panjim fare had now shot up to Rs. 930 which was Rs 750 just a year ago. Inflation of nearly 25 per cent that was totally out of control on top of already high fare. I wonder Modi government and the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley worry about this high inflation in the state of Goa, but it certainly is an issue for the current BJP-led government in Goa.
Auto-rikshaw in Panjim: My apartment at Milroc Kadamba is about 7 Km from Panjim. I had to make a quick trip to Panjim to get my phone activated at Vodaphone shop near Vivant Hotel in Panjim. I asked our Milroc security to fetch me an auto-rickshaw. It arrived 20 minutes later. Reaching the destination, I asked for the fare and the answer was Rs. 350. Which was a big shock to me when I was expected something around Rs 100 or less as per Department of Goa Tourism guidelines. Coming back after finishing my task it was a similar quote to take me back. But, in the sweltering afternoon heat I thought that was a real bargain.
Taxi Mafia: My wife’s sisters had planned a family reunion at Mahendra Resort, Varca. They had arranged transport. We had a wonderful time at the resort enjoying the beach and food at the five-star restaurant cuisine. On check-out day we wanted to visit my cousin in Margao. So, I called him to send his car to pick us up. He said okay, but then called a few minutes later, that his driver does not want to go there for a pickup. Apparently, there is a taxi-stand outside the resort and they do not want any private cars picking up guests. This is taxi drivers’ mafia that controls things and do not hesitate to damage the cars. I said okay and asked the security to fetch a taxi, who said it would cost Rs 600 to go to Margao.
It was an outrageous amount for probably a distance of 8 km. Clearly there was collusion among the resorts with the taxi drivers that allow them to charge high fares. I doubt any hotels try to ensure that fares are reasonable for customers. Is there a solution to this rip off?
Yes, I think there are solutions. For starters, the Goa government should immediately impose the fare-structure based on the mileage and the duration charges. It should be made mandatory for all taxi operators and clearly posted inside the vehicle. Violations should be severe enough that they are not tempted to break the law.
Secondly, technology based solutions such as Uber and Ola operators should be allowed to enter the market that will provide some checks and balances to taxi operators to be honest.
And lastly, the regulations and its implementation should be reviewed by the government agency at regular basis to make changes as necessary that are fair to all.
Will this happen? Will our Chief Minister Manoharbab Parrikar take necessary action? I surely hope so!
