Team Herald
PANJIM: Amidst chaos and protest by taxi operators from Pernem taluka, the State Cabinet on Monday accorded its approval for implementation of aggregator – Goa Taxi App – for operation of the unified platform in the State from January 5 onwards. The app facility will be made operational from the Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
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The Cabinet also granted its nod to explore possibility of undertaking necessary amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act, wherein taxis operating on the aggregator facility will be given tax rebate for the first two years followed by lower tax structure, thereafter.
Addressing media persons post the meeting, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that the cabinet resolved the implementation of Goa Taxi app, owned by Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) at a time, when new airport at Mopa is set to commission.
“It is government’s endeavor to ensure healthy competition and choice for public,” he said.
Godinho said that the department of transport is exploring possibility of amending the Motor Vehicle Act for restricting taxes into two categories that is taxi operating on any aggregator App in Goa will have a lower tax structure while others will have to shell out more on tax.
“Initially, for the first two years, those taxi operators who come onboard, will be given tax rebate for two years,” he said.
Godinho said that as per the proposal, the Government will constitute Advisory Body, having representation of stakeholders such as registered taxi union, travel and tourism association, department of transport, department of tourism, who will meet periodically and advice on the functioning of the App service so as to provide efficient taxi service and implementation of welfare measures for taxi operators.
The cabinet note stated that there are grievances from the tourists particularly that it is difficult to find taxi services while exploring Goa. “Complaints are also received on overcharging, non use of meters, poor service, rude behavior, unclean vehicle, etc,” the note said adding that at present there is no efficient mechanism to capture service quality or passenger feedback so that interventions can be planned for improvements.
