Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas on Monday strongly opposed the introduction of taxi aggregator apps in Goa, asserting that they are not needed in the state.
Speaking during the demands for grants for the Transport Department, Viegas said, “We do not require taxi app aggregators. We do not want this app to come to Goa. We have already conveyed our concerns to the government in writing. Local taxi operators have been serving the tourism industry since the 1980s and 1990s and have significantly contributed to its growth. Today, hotels that once had 50 rooms now have 150 — a growth that our taxi operators have helped enable.”
He further urged the government to cancel the proposed aggregator guidelines and instead support traditional taxi services. “If you want to pursue digitalisation, that’s fine — but not through an app,” he added.
Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate echoed similar sentiments, questioning why taxi operators are being blamed for a decline in tourist numbers.
“There are many reasons for the drop in tourist arrivals — overpriced hotels, unclean beaches, and the menace of stray dogs and cattle. This is not a metropolitan city. Often, taxis return empty after a drop,” she said.
Monserrate also raised concerns about GoaMiles, the State-approved app-based taxi service. “GoaMiles, which charges lower fares, poses a threat to local operators’ livelihoods,” she stated.
car drivers for most accidents
PANJIM: Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa expressed serious concerns over the reckless driving of rental car drivers, stating that they are responsible for the majority of road accidents in Goa.
Speaking during the discussion on the demand for the Transport Department, D’Costa said, “The rental car drivers are driving recklessly and are responsible for most of the accidents occurring in Goa. They should be given proper guidance. I am not against rent-a-car services, but there should be some guidelines.”
He further highlighted the impact of the rental car business on local taxi operators. “Moreover, they are taking away the business of our Goan taxi operators. We need to resolve their issues. I am in the hotel industry, and I know that tourists hire rent-a-car vehicles as soon as they step out of the airport. So we have to frame proper guidelines. This has to be streamlined,” he added.