GTDC says pehle taxi APP despite tourism dept’s oppn

Team Herald

PANJIM: Notwithstanding the tourist taxi operators’ opposition to the proposed introduction of local taxi app, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has decided to go-ahead with its plans while Tourism Department has asked it’s ‘competent’ stakeholder to accept any challenge coming their way. 

The GTDC is already in the process to identify an aggregator by way of tender after which its detailed strategy of implementation would be discussed with the State government. 

GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral has asked the taxi operators to understand the concept before voicing any opinion contesting the initiative. The app will also monitor illegal conduct of some taxi drivers such as overcharging.

“The concept will help upgrading the taxis through latest technology, shed its bad image and guarantee drivers’ income. I have assured that taxi operators will not be charged a single rupee for implementing the service. We are only outsourcing the structure, software/hardware whereas GTDC will monitor it,” he said speaking to Herald. 

Cabral emphasised that bad holiday experiences of the tourists in the past has marred the image of Goa tourism, and this concept will act as a deterrent. “Ninety per cent of tourist taxi operators are good but because of the remaining 10 per cent, Goa tourism is getting a bad name,” Cabral claimed maintaining that the fares will be ‘government decided.’

The GTDC has plans to take on board only those taxis which are registered with the Transport department till August 31, 2017. 

While it claims that the aggregator would bear the entire cost except for providing Android phones, which would be self-financed by taxis drivers; the question arises about how the system would sustain. Cabral clarified that they are creating a revenue model wherein the aggregators, supported by GTDC, will go in for advertisement on the vehicles. However, this would require permission from the Transport department. Certain areas will require government permission while also the proposal’s fine-tuning is in the process, he added.

The GTDC will soon meet Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in this regard. Cabral urged CM to put his foot down for introducing the concept. 

Conceding that he is oblivious about the details of the proposal, Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar, however, has asked the taxi drivers to install digital meters. “I will go through the proposal,” he said when asked if he supports the proposed project. The minister however added that taxi operators should ensure installing digital meters while also asking them to take up all the challenges. “Our taxi drivers are competent. They should take up the challenge but let me study the proposal,” he said. 

Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, who has raised various issues concerning tourism, has supported the initiative stating, “If it is going to help tourism, then why not implement the system.”