MAPUSA: Sirsaim Tourist Taxi Association held a protest at Tivim railway station, seeking a permanent solution to their long pending demands. They said they are operating tourist taxis for over 20 years and still they do not have legal rights to operate taxis from Tivim Railway station. They demanded that they be given legal rights to operate the taxis from the railway station. They also demanded a taxi counter at Tivim Railway Station since there has been a surge in the arrival of tourists at Tivim Railway Station.
One Taxi operator said that the tourist permits were given 20 years ago, since then no permits have been given. Now the permits need to be increased. We have given letters to the chief minister, tourism minister and transport minister. Letters have also been given to the Director of Road Transport, Railway Authorities and the BJP State President Sadanand Tanavade that permits be given to us. Every term we have given letters to North Goa Shripad Naik over the last four terms. We have also met the local MLA Nilkant Harlankar. At least the issue should he resolved before the election.
Another taxi operator said there are 40 taxis and 35 rickshaws but the tourist rush is far more. Commuters have to wait for over one hour for taxis and rickshaws. We are not allowed to park near the railways station, we park below. We appeal that the permits maybe increased and we be allowed to operate from top.
