PANJIM: Components of the BJP government seem to be holding opposing views on the GoaMiles- Tourist Taxi issue.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has warned that strict action will be taken against those who take law into their hands. “App based taxis have come to stay. People are laughing at us because we don’t have Ola and Uber. A few people are doing dadagiri. It is laughable that they are opposing lower fares,” Mauvin said.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar however batted for local taximen saying the rates should be uniform.
On Thursday, a huge crowd of taxi drivers allegedly beat up a Goa Miles Taxi driver at Pernem outside the house of Arlekar. Both Mauvin and Arlekar were reacting to this development.
Mauvin Godinho said, “The law has to take its course. If someone has taken law into their hands strict action has to be taken. Secondly, App based taxis are here to stay. Goa Miles is here, and will continue to be in Goa in future. No one can stop it. We get tourists from all over the world why is there no Ola and Uber operating in Goa? To protect local taximen, we dint bring these app based taxis. People are laughing at us.”
“Because a few people are doing dadagiri, should we destroy the taxi service and the transportation system? If Goa Miles is ready to ferry people at a lower rate, who has objection? Isn’t what is cheap good? Anyone will laugh at them, they are asking to increase the rate,” Mauvin said.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar contended, “The local taxi operators should have got justice when the airport started functioning. They have taken loans to stand on their feet, to support their families. There should have been agreement that only local taxis will be hired for the airport. Because of this they are suffering.”
“Goa Miles is having an app, they should not have a counter at Mopa Airport. They should do booking only on the app and take the passengers. Their rates are the lowest, therefore the other taximen are suffering. Therefore I say that all rates should be equal,” Arlekar argued.
