Team Herald
PORVORIM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday claimed that the government does not have to listen to the taxi operators and reiterated the government’s plan to introduce app-based taxi service for the benefit of commuters in the State.
Godinho sought to know how the government can listen to what the taxi operators want. “It is because of this the touristic State is getting a bad name. The taxi operators cannot hold decision making to ransom. This is not correct. There should be a change, there has to be smooth transportation in the State,” he said.
When asked whether the government will go ahead with the app-based taxi service despite taxi operators vehemently opposing it, Godinho said, “Let those who want to oppose, do it. Their job is to oppose but not all taxi operators are opposing it. There are few taxi operators who are instigating others to oppose the app-based taxi service. I have done a deep study of it.” According to the Minister, no proper procedure was followed in the past, but now it will be streamlined so that nobody will have a chance to complain. The government will definitely talk to taxi associations over the issue of introducing app-based taxi service, he added.
Opposing the government’s radical move, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that the taxi operators should be brought on board over the issue of introducing app-based taxi service. He said that the taxi operators were of the opinion that digital meters were available outside Goa at low prices. The government gave subsidy to fit digitalmeters for taxis and is now trying to introduce app-based service. By doing this, the government is trying to finish the locals operating taxis in the State.
Sardesai demanded that the government should hold talks with the representatives of taxi associations and take an appropriate decision. “Why is the government taking steps in haste?” he asked.
“If the government has made up its mind to introduce app-based taxi service in the State then it should convince the people. Development has to be by consent.,” said Sardesai. Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar strongly opposed the government’s proposal to bring in Ola and Uber aggregators in the State. He demanded that the taxi operators should be taken into confidence since they have fully abided the government’s order for fitment of digital meters for taxis.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said that the problems of the taxi operators started when the government allowed Goa Miles to operate in the State while, Vasco MLA Krishna `Daji’ Salkar said that it will be a great thing if all taxi operators come up with their own app service. “If taxi operators have their own app then it will be our own and we don’t have to depend on Ola and Uber service.” Salkar said.
