PERNEM: Tension rent the air as private taxi operators allegedly beat up a GoaMiles driver outside Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar’s house on Thursday.
According to taxi operators, a conflict between the local taxi operators and GoaMiles drivers arose over the near 50 per cent rates charged by GoaMiles. The taxi operators claimed that GoaMiles was given a counter at Mopa Airport when they should be functioning through their app.
The fight ended at the doorstep of Pernem MLA, who compromised the matter.
He said the rates should be uniform with both the taxi operators and the legislator admitting that local Pednekars are also employed by GoaMiles.
Alleging that a government servant was operating as a GoaMiles driver, a tourist taxi operator demanded that he should be immediately suspended or terminated by his department.
“He is representing GoaMiles in uniform. We will complain to the department and see what action the government takes,” he said.
“The locals have purchased taxis by availing loans. GoaMiles is operating at half the rate. So the MLA was angry. We are also his workers. So naturally he will feel bad,” said another tourist taxi operator.
When questioned by mediapersons that even GoaMiles drivers were local Goans and Pernem residents, they said, “They are locals, but they charge between Rs 600 and Rs 700. They have spoilt the business. They are Pednekars, we support Pednekars. Our demand is to have equal rates. The operators from Calangute are shouting that Pednekars are spoiling the business.”
They said, “When there is a notified taxi stand such as Blue Cab at Mopa, app-based taxis cannot function. You can ask the RTO. GoaMiles has the blessings of politicians, what can we do?”
When questioned by mediapersons about the scuffle, Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar said, “The local taxi operators should be given justice. They have purchased vehicles by availing loans to support their families. There should have been an agreement with GMR initially, that only local drivers and taxis would be used. Therefore they are suffering today. GoaMiles cannot take a counter here (at Mopa). They have to function on the app. They are given a counter at Mopa, and their rates are the lowest. Therefore the tourist taxi operators are suffering. So I have demanded that all the rates should be equal.”
