Varca, Goa: Local taxi operators from the Zuri Hotel in Varca have raised serious concerns over the increasing presence of taxis affiliated with an "Unknown Taxi" app, alleging that the influx of these vehicles is severely affecting their livelihood. The operators, along with local social worker Warran Alemao, have warned of a protest that may include blocking the hotel gate if immediate action is not taken.
According to the aggrieved taxi owners, numerous app-based taxis are arriving at the hotel daily, picking up tourists and leaving local drivers without customers. They stated that while they no longer have issues with the GoaMiles app, the emergence of this new, lesser-known taxi app has thrown their business into disarray.
“There is an official agreement that every hotel should have a dedicated taxi stand for local operators. But lately, some private taxi apps are being allowed to operate freely, hurting local livelihoods,” said Warran Alemao. He also alleged that the situation has escalated to the point where “external taxi drivers have come with knives to intimidate locals.”
Adding to the concern, Jose Alphonso, another local taxi operator, accused the hotel management of siding with the external drivers. “The management is hand in glove with these private taxi operators. It’s high time the authorities take strict action to prevent further inconvenience and possible violence,” he said.
The taxi operators emphasized that their patience is running thin and urged the government to intervene before the situation worsens. They are calling for enforcement of existing agreements mandating hotel taxi stands for local drivers and strict action against unauthorized taxi operations.