PORVORIM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho addressed the State Assembly on Wednesday, highlighting the necessity of regulating the taxi business in Goa. He emphasised that having an app-based aggregator system is the best solution to modernise and streamline the taxi services in the State.
“An app-based system is essential. The days when making a single trip was sufficient are over. GoaMiles serves as a facilitator, and the real owners are those driving the taxis,” Godinho stated during discussions on the demands for Transport, Industries, Trade and Commerce, and Panchayats.
He defended the business model of GoaMiles, noting that it operates at rates lower than those notified by the government. “Whether it is Goa Miles or another aggregator, it is a business model, akin to how Jio disrupted the market. The primary issue in Goa is public transport, with insufficient buses serving rural areas,” he added.
Godinho clarified that no one is forced to join GoaMiles or the Goa Taxi App. He noted that some parties are in discussions with Uber to undermine government-backed apps. “If we had 18,000 taxis, we would be collecting Rs 100 crore in taxes,” he said, calling for a solution that is acceptable to all stakeholders.
“Taxi drivers are ambassadors of Goa, and we recognise their contributions. However, it does not mean they can reject all improvements,” Godinho said. The Minister added that the government is no longer giving permissions for running rent-a-cab business as they do not follow the rules.
The Minister also announced that the government is likely to acquire 500 buses from IIT Alumni under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aiming to improve public transport. Furthermore, Godinho mentioned that GoaMiles plans to finance e-rickshaws for motorcycle pilots under a CSR scheme, although MLA Vijai Sardesai countered, “Nobody gives something under CSR for free.”
Godinho highlighted the employment impact of projects approved by the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (IPB), claiming that 8,171 jobs were created, with 3,451 for Goans and 4,720 for non-Goans.
On environmental issues, the Minister addressed pollution at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, stating that efforts are being made to establish a common effluent treatment plant to tackle the longstanding problem. “It is a legacy issue,” he said.
He also pointed out that funds from the 15th Finance Commission are lying with the Panchayats, urging them to select government-empaneled contractors to tackle the garbage problem using the available funds.
