PANJIM: Clearing the confusion of the taxi union, Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTC) chairman Carlos Almeida said that Goan taxis would be absorbed in the proposed KTC taxi service, and that the All Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association (AGTTOA) is unnecessarily threatening the government.
“These taxis will be operated by Goans. I don’t understand why they are saying we are getting outsiders. EDC will finance Goan taxi owners,” Almeida said.
He said that the proposal to introduce KTC taxis is at an initial stage and there is no need for taxi operators to panic.
“We have taken a board decision to appoint a consultant to introduce KTC taxis in the State. I spoke to the Chairman of Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Sidharth Kunkolienkar, they are willing to finance the Goan taxi owners,” he said.
He added, “If taxi operators have a problem, they should put it before the government instead of threatening the government.”
Almeida said that the proposed taxi service will be app-based and that they may use the Ola or Uber app. “We will take Goan taxi owners only. We will also speak to GTDC, there should not be clash of interests. We will work hand in hand,” he said.
“It is at the initial stage. The Chief Minister will take a decision once the consultant gives the DPR. Taxi owners can meet the CM if they have a problem, he is my boss. Who are taxi operators to threaten us?” Almeida asked.
He also said the government has given a direction to increase the bus service at Dabolim airport.
AGTTOA has threatened to paralyse the State’s capital if the proposed KTC taxis are introduced and the bus service at Dabolim airport is increased.
