PORVORIM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho reiterated that the government will not bow down to the arm twisting tactics of the taxi owners and the taxi aggregator GoaMiles will continue to function.
He alleged that some politicians for vested interest have been instigating the agitating taxi owners against the government.
“Even for pelting stones on taxi people are being paid Rs 500. We have inputs that there are people who are instigating the anti-App sentiments. While we have extended all the possible help to the taxi owners and therefore request them not to get influenced by the misguidance,” he stated.
When Churchill raised the issue of rate boards being displayed at the airport counter of GoaMiles, Mauvin informed that it was due to the mobile network issues at the airport so that tourists can be facilitated.
He said, “Once the network boosters are installed as directed by the Union Minister then the rate list of the GoaMiles will be done away with. We will not withdraw the GoaMiles App and not bow down to their stubbornness.”
Speaking on the taxi meters, he further said that when he realised that the tenders were designed in a way to favour someone, he said, “I cancelled the tenders and informed the AG that we will not be able to implement the digital meters from August 1. The process will take time as we are going ahead to retender the installation of digital metres. The new amendments of the Motor Vehicles Act mandate that GPS system as well as emergency button too be installed. These two will also be incorporated into the new tenders.”
Mauvin further stated that government has decided to have a permanent stop of the KTC buses at the airport for the benefit of the tourists arriving at the Dabolim Airport.
“We have decided to have a permanent stop at the airport for KTC buses so that common people have the option to travel cheap instead of spending hundreds on taxi service,” he stated.
He further said that the Central motor vehicle act amended has been passed by the Parliament which will be strictly implemented to maintain discipline on the roads.
He said, “I will give directions not to harass the two-wheelers but will request the two wheeler riders to atleast wear helmets, you cannot escape.”
