Hike in auto, taxi fares likely
Govt agrees to renew taxi permits of small cars
Partially admitting the demands of taxi operators, the State Transport Authority (STA) is expected to renew permits of taxis with 800 cc engine for All Goa Permit.
However, it is also said that no new taxi permits will be granted to vehicles below 1000 cc.
Talking to Herald Transport Director Arun Desai said that the STA meeting, scheduled on October 26 is expected to ratify the decision to renew All Goa taxi Permits to the vehicles with 800 cc.
Desai stated that in 2007, the decision not to allow taxis below 1000 cc was taken which was extended in 2008.
Director said that the government decision will benefit 500-odd taxi operators in the state.
The taxi operators in the state had strongly objected to the government decision to ban permits for vehicles below 1000 cc.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
PANJIM, OCT 6
Travelling by autorickshaw and Taxis is likely to become dearer in Goa with State Transport Authority (STA) toying with the proposal to hike the fares.
Transport Director Arun Desai told Herald that the taxi operators and autorickshaw unions have asked for hike in the fares, which were revised in 2006.
“It’s been almost four years since the fares were revised. The STA in the upcoming meeting will consider the proposal,” Desai said.
The STA, headed by transport secretary Narendra Kumar will be meeting on October 26 to thrash out various issues.
Desai confirmed that since May, 2010 the associations like All Goa Autorickshaw Association (AGAA), Taximan’s Union (TU) and All Goa Taxi Unions Association (AGTUA) have been demanding for hike, which is Rs 10 for first three kilometers, currently.
“There are various hiked rates demanded by these unions. AGAA are asking for Rs 20 for first three kilometers, while TU wants Rs 12 and AGTUA have demanded for Rs 15,” Desai said.
However, he said fixed rates will be sanctioned for all.
When asked, Desai said that the hike is must as the rates of fuel prices have gone up since 2006 and also the prices of automobile spares have increased.
The Transport Department has recently hiked bus fares by 10 paise per kilometre beyond the first 3 km and retained the fare of Rs 5 for the first 3 km.
