Team Herald
PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called for the introduction of app-based taxi services in the coastal State, and said that the aggregator service is the only long-term solution in the interest of tourism sector.
The issue of resolving the taxi imbroglio was deliberated in the House, wherein it was brought to the notice of the members that despite installing digital fare meters, the taxi operators are not using them. Nearly 3,683 challans have been issued to taxi operators for failing to use the digital meters installed in their vehicles, while ferrying passengers.
The members welcomed the decision but requested that all the stakeholders should be taken into confidence and there has to be transparency and uniformity in fixing the fare.
Sawant, who was responding in absence of Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, told the Assembly that an app-based taxi service is the only solution and the decision will be taken in consultation with the Department of Transport, Tourism, MLAs from coastal belt and the taxi operators.
“App-based taxi facility is the only permanent solution if the tourism industry has to survive in the long run. I would request all the MLAs to support the government and not indulge in provoking taxi operators or participating in their protest,” he said.
The Chief Minister said so far 9,457 taxis have been fitted with digital taxi meters, of which 2,268 have applied for subsidy of Rs 11,200. A total of 1,824 applications have been sanctioned, with government releasing Rs 1.33 cr subsidy.
“We need to be serious now. We have given the meters…subsidy…but despite that taxi operators are not using it…we have even received complaints from tourists…so the time has come when we need to put in a common system in place,” he said.
“The government is ready for app-based taxi services and will require the support of all MLAs,” Sawant said.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas said the common man will also have to be consulted as there are many locals who are against the app-based aggregator service. He also pointed out that passengers are against digital meters, which shows higher fare compared to normal charges.
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai and Congress MLA Delilah Lobo urged the government to take action against the taxi operators who fail to charge as per meter.
As per the government’s reply, there are 3,695 taxis operating under All Goa permit, 12,187 as All India Tourist taxis and 691 are yellow/black taxis operational in the State.
