MAPUSA: Minister for Ports and RDA Michael Lobo on Thursday stated that the taxi owners will have to install digital meters.
“Digital meters have to be installed as per the High Court directions since telling rates orally and then bargaining cannot be allowed. The government has given permission for the GoaMiles App and now if it is scrapped then the company will approach the court and get a stay on it,” the Minister said.
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Lobo was addressing the media persons after hundreds of North Goa Taxi owners/ drivers marched to the residence of the Minister on Thursday demanding to scrap the GoaMiles App.
Stating that a meeting will be called with the stakeholders, Lobo said, “I fully support the taxi owners/drivers because they are our fellow Goans and the tussle between the taxi owners and GoaMiles App has to be stopped. I have recently spoken to the Chief Minister, Transport Minister and GTDC Chairman regarding this issue and one of these days a meeting will be called with the stakeholders where a fruitful decision can be taken,” Lobo informed.
Stating that intrude of GoaMiles App has to be stopped, Lobo said, “GoaMiles App intrude and take away customers from the hotels has to be stopped. GoaMiles App is welcome in the hotels but they will have to stay behind the local taxi owners and follow the queue. Their demand is to scrap the app and to sort the issue. A proper discussion with the Chief Minister and Transport Minister is required.”
Meanwhile, President of North Goa Taxi Owners Association Ketan Kamat said, “We don’t trust the Chief Minister and Transport Minister. For the last seven years all we are getting is assurances but nobody is fulfilling it. Several meetings were held and discussions done but still nothing. Today we are here because we had faith in Lobo as he had told us that he is with the taxi owners/drivers but today this faith in him is gone and the taxi owners are not with Lobo anymore.”
“Lobo is part of the Cabinet and if he is with the taxi owners/drivers then he should scrap the GoaMiles App,” Kamat added.
