For tourist taxi operators, the pay parking system across 18 locations in the capital is not something new as they have been paying fees at every other parking spot in the State. Ironically, though decided by the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) to implement from Monday, in reality it was a soft launch.
However, the taxi operators – who have virtually taken away spots especially those largely frequented by tourists, justify themselves arguing the authorities have failed to allot a designated parking stand in Panjim.
“It doesn’t make a difference to us (on the introduction of pay parking). We ferry our passengers including tourists to different places where we pay parking fees of Rs 10-20,” tourist taxi operator and general secretary of All Goa Tourist Taxi Association Vinayak Nanuskar said.
With no designated parking space and no fixed time to remain at one place for a considerable period of time during a day, the operators demand that the government should pay attention to their need. “We don’t mind shelling out parking fees but what about a dedicated parking stand for us? We drive our vehicles all through the city searching for a proper space to park for which we not only lose fuel but also time and at times clients,” he stated.
Despite no allocated space, the tourist cabs have made selective spots their permanent zone. At these places, the yellow-plated vehicles are often seen parked.
“What to do then? We have not hijacked any place as any commuter is free to park their vehicle next to ours. We have never stopped them from doing so,” taxi driver Anand Gauns justified.
He was quickly supported by colleague Sunil Deukar, blaming shop and other commercial businessmen and employees of taking away parking space all through the day. “The shopkeepers and those working in different commercial establishments should not be given relief. They park their vehicles the entire day whereas genuine persons suffer,” he said adding, “If we had a dedicated place like the rickshaw stand, none of us would have complained.”
Nanuskar conceded they still do not have fixed parking zones in Panjim.
