Team Herald
PANJIM: With local taxi drivers up in arms against the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)-backed GoaMiles app-based taxi service, the latter has started an online petition seeking people’s support to the revolutionary change in the transportation system.
“Goa has been a victim to uncontrolled rates for taxi services especially at places like the Dabolim Airport, local taxi stands and passers-by. To curb this situation, the government has partnered with a GOAN start-up to launch an initiative known as GoaMiles – a taxi service that runs through an application allowing people to book a cab online at a Government approved fee,” the petition, which so far has garnered over 4,000 signatures, states.
The GoaMiles taxi operators alleged that they are victims of fictional news which speaks about employment of non-Goans as drivers. “Damage has been done to the GoaMiles vehicles by other local taxi drivers to ensure fear in the GoaMiles drivers through the leadership of opposing politicians. This falsely put together news by a handful of people is the main reason that overpowers all the good,” the petition further states urging that everyone needs to stand together to overcome the negative vibes.
about the app-taxi service.
“The positive need to overthrow the negative and that’s only possible when we all stand together as one State, one community and one family. The voice of the people of Goa cannot be ignored anymore. Stand with us on our journey to a more convenient Goa. Let’s make it happen together!”
The GoaMiles drivers, on Friday, held a press conference to condemn series of attacks on them by the local taxi drivers. They also charged the traditional tourist taxi operators of evading tax to the government, which has been causing loss to the State exchequer and demanded an investigation into it.
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Dy CM bats for balance on taxi issue
MARGAO: Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai has opined that there needs to be a win-win situation for both Goans as well as tourists coming to the state when it comes to the taxi issue. “The tourists who come to Goa have to be treated well and technological intervention to give them a better deal should be there otherwise competitively we will lose,” Vijai said. “We have to think about Goa eventually surviving and to compete with Sri Lanka and Kerala” he said.
