Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has called on the Goa government to take proactive measures to safeguard the livelihood of the state’s traditional Motorcycle Pilots, following a recent order by the Karnataka High Court on bike taxi operations.
Alemao expressed concern that the court ruling could set a precedent impacting Goa’s long-standing motorcycle taxi system. He urged the state to officially recognise Motorcycle Pilots as a legitimate mode of public transport and ensure they are protected from any potential legal or regulatory challenges in the future.
“The Goa government must act now. Motorcycle Pilots are not just part of our economy but also our culture. Their livelihood must be legally secured and safeguarded against any possible court bans,” Alemao stated.
The Karnataka High Court recently ruled on the legality of app-based bike taxi services, sparking renewed debate across states over informal and traditional transport systems. Goa, one of the few states where Motorcycle Pilots are formally recognised, could still be vulnerable without firm policy backing, Alemao warned.
He urged the transport department to initiate consultations and introduce protective legislation or policy clarifications to preserve the interests of this unique workforce.