Team Herald
PANJIM: In the wake of increasing attacks on drivers affiliated to GoaMiles, the State’s first app-based cab aggregator has warned to drag the tourist taxi operators to the court for action.
“Our drivers have refrained from reacting to unprovoked attacks by the tourist taxi drivers. If the attacks on GoaMiles drivers do not stop in the next two days, we will be forced to approach the court against the errant taxi drivers. We have all the proof against them and this is enough to lose their stands,” Director of Operations Parashar Pai Khot said during a press interaction in the capital on Friday.
“We don’t want to drag anyone to the court but it is also a fact that nobody has the right to monopolise a business. Even we are open to competition,” he further said.
Operations Manager Hemant Prabhu Chodnekar said that they will also approach related departments seeking action against the tourist taxi drivers.
The aggregator asserted that they are carrying out legal cab service business and the fares offered to the passengers are permissible as per the transport rules.
“The pocket friendly fair offered by GoaMiles is helping the tourism growth in the State. Local goons and taxi owners are involved in social terrorism by indulging in attacks on our drivers. The main contention of these attackers is that they have been allotted the stand outside a particular hotel by the authorities, but there is no provision as per the RTA norms to have such illegal stands,” Khot said.
He explained that the taxi operators, as per permit granted by the Transport Department, allow operating from their residence or office but there is no provision to have a stand whereas it is an exception for yellow-black taxis.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who has been briefed about the incident, has reportedly allowed the GoaMiles drivers to operate from anywhere in the State.
Asked if GoaMiles has held discussion with the traditional taxi operators, Khot said they did but the latter continued to protest against the new venture. “Now we are not interested. They are habitual protestors of any new initiative in the State,” he added.
