The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has announced that in its open public survey on app-based taxi services, 93.8% of 4,940 respondents have backed the introduction of regulated taxi aggregator services in the State. The survey, which was open to all citizens as part of the ongoing public consultation process, will now be submitted to the State Transport Department.
TTAG President Jack Sukhija said the broad public participation demonstrates that app-based taxi services are not just a tourist requirement but a public utility that locals also want.
"The survey clearly shows that there is an overwhelming sentiment in favour of taxi apps by locals, as it will increase mobility options and reduce the stress of driving on our high-density roads," Sukhija stated.
MARGAO:The overwhelming support revealed in the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa’s (TTAG) survey finds validation in conversations across Goa’s towns and villages, where residents who did not participate in the formal survey express strong support for app-based taxi services and view the draft aggregator guidelines as reasonable.
These locals, speaking independently of any formal consultation process, challenge the long-held assumption that such platforms cater exclusively to tourists. While most Goan households do own vehicles, residents argue that modern life often requires transportation flexibility that goes beyond personal vehicle ownership.
"There is nearly one death by road accident per day on Goan roads, and the only way to reduce the same is by calming traffic by introducing more mobility options, whether they be public transport or technology in the taxi business."
The survey results come amid ongoing discussions between the government and various stakeholders. Earlier, TTAG had launched the online petition as part of the public consultation process, with the association stating that regulated app-based taxi services are not just a tour-ist requirement but a public utility that many Goans also want. The survey was kept open to allow more citizens to participate and provide their honest feedback on app-based taxi services in Goa.
The survey, which asked participants whether they support the introduction of app-based taxi services in Goa, recorded 4,632 ‘yes’ votes against just 308 ‘no’ votes from the total 4,940 responses collected over the weekend.
However, Sunil Naik, President of the North and South Goa Taxi Operators’ Association, questioned the validity of the survey and the role of TTAG in the process. “I think this TTAG is now running the government. No one has asked them to conduct a survey. There are around 16 lakh people in Goa, and out of that only 4,940 responded — so the rest of the people are against app-based taxis. Some channels showed that 98% of people don’t want app-based taxis. What about that? I think Goa doesn’t need app-based taxis. We Goans can handle the taxi business, and that too with transparency. The CM said they will take all stakeholders into confidence and finalise the taxi issue, so we are waiting for a call.”
Despite the pushback, Sukhija reiterated that there is now a realisation on the part of the administration that the use of technology in transport is critical for facilitating mobility for both locals and tourists.
“It has become the norm all over the country, including in cities that are smaller than Goa."
"The present app guidelines were the most progressive in the country, as they balanced customer and driver interests. The CM has indicated that he will arrive at a solution which will balance taxi drivers’, hotels’, and customers’ interests,” Sukhija added.
The TTAG president emphasised the unique nature of Goa's approach, stating: “The Goa guidelines are unique in terms of the app-based services in India and around the world, and if the government is serious about development and progress, then this will be a step in the right direction and more states in India would look into adopting the same guidelines."
"Goa can do what no other state in India has done and adopt these guidelines, which provide for a fair field for aggregators, taxi drivers, and customers for a win-win situation,” he concluded.
Chief Minister Sawant recently met with taxi operators and assured them that the draft guidelines would not open doors for companies like Ola and Uber. The draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025, notified on May 20, proposes a regulatory framework for app-based ride-hailing services while ensuring driver welfare, fair pricing, and the use of Goa-registered vehicles with licensed drivers. Public suggestions and objections can be submitted until June 19.