PANJIM: In the wake of unpleasant incidents about taxi operators posted on social media by tourists visiting Goa, Herald Media asked people, Is there urgent need for Taxi operators in Goa to come on the aggregator app to bring it in line with international tourism?
Just the other day the chief minister has cautioned all taxi drivers, especially those that are involved with clashes and confusion with the tourists which is definitely giving a bad name to the tourism in Goa. The message going viral throughout the world that tourists are heckled either by the rent a cab, Goa Miles or the local taxi operators. It is total confusion. What are we heading for? Law and order situation compromised by anyone, cannot be tolerated. All stakeholders should sit together and put this to rest once and for all. They should come together and have their own app.
Trajano D'Mello, Political Commentator
I don’t think this should be an open and shut answer. There is no ‘yes’ and ‘no’. The government has time and again failed to take the people into confidence. They bring out schemes without creating awareness among the stakeholders. That is why objections and resentment is there. The government has to bring the Goan taxi operators across the table, explain to them properly and come to a solution which will benefit the Goan taxi operators.
Anthony D'Silva, Social Activist
Before you bring an app, one has to see how far locals will benefit. Who will use the app and call for taxis to their doorsteps? Some time back the taxi operators had to fix a metre. A Rs 4000 metre was given to them for Rs 11000. They are not getting business at the airport due to the yellow and black and blue cabs. There are fights nearly everyday. There are fights in Vasco so many times. There are fights in Mopa as well. Goa is so small, why do we need a taxi app?
Tara Kerkar, Social Activist
Some of these people, with the help of the elected representatives, have spoilt this business, for their own benefit. To create their own vote banks. Today there is a need for the Goan taxi operators to come together and there is an urgent need for form an aggregator app of Goan taxi operators. They have been fooled by ministers and MLAs. They have put them in a loss by asking them to purchase metres etc. There is still time to salvage the business.
Mariano Ferrao, Social Activist