Locals and tourists in Goa have certainly experienced ongoing taxi issues, with limited services available in the sector, especially as many drivers allegedly tie up with hotels and charge high fares. However, there is now a sense of hope with discussions around the app-based taxi scheme, officially titled the Chief Minister Taxi Assistance Scheme, which is still awaiting government approval nearly a month after its announcement by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The proposal aims to modernise Goa’s taxi services by encouraging tourism taxi operators to join digital platforms like Goa Miles or Goa Taxi App.
According to reports, some of the major benefits the scheme will offer include:
Subsidies for replacing old vehicles
Up to 50% subsidy on electric vehicles
Insurance discounts
Educational support for drivers’ children
Old-age assistance
However, as mentioned earlier, the final approval is pending as the government is currently assessing the financial feasibility of these proposed benefits. Participation in the scheme is voluntary, operators are not obligated to join, but only those who do will receive the incentives.
In the meantime, tourists have voiced their frustration on social media over high taxi fares and limited service options. Many have blamed this on a so-called "taxi mafia", local operators accused of monopolising the market and preventing competition.
The government’s move to digitize and regulate taxi services through this scheme also aims to tackle these long-standing issues and enhance passenger convenience by centralizing taxi operations on a digital platform.