AAP legislators Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva have come out in strong support of the ongoing protest by taxi operators in Goa, opposing the recently introduced Aggregator Taxi rules. The two MLAs joined the agitating taximen on the ground, urging the government to immediately revoke the Gazette notification that enforced the new regulations.
Viegas and Silva criticized the government's move, stating that the rules were implemented without adequate consultation with traditional taxi operators—the core of Goa’s local transport system. They argued that the livelihoods of thousands of Goan families are at risk due to this top-down approach and emphasized the need for any new transport policy to be framed through open dialogue with all stakeholders, including taxi drivers, unions, and local communities.
The AAP leaders cautioned that if the rules are enforced as they stand, small-scale operators may be pushed out of the market by large aggregator platforms. They cited similar experiences from other states where independent drivers were marginalized, leading to job losses and rising discontent. The MLAs urged the government to take these lessons seriously and protect local employment.
They further warned that the ongoing unrest could damage Goa’s vital tourism sector, which depends significantly on local taxi services. To prevent further escalation, Viegas and Silva recommended forming a joint committee of government officials, taxi union representatives, and other stakeholders to revisit the policy and ensure it is equitable and transparent.
Reaffirming their commitment to the cause, the AAP MLAs demanded that the government immediately roll back the new rules. They emphasized that sustainable solutions can only emerge through mutual respect, negotiation, and inclusive policymaking that honors both the livelihood of Goans and the broader needs of the transport sector.