PORVORIM: Backing app-based taxi service GoaMiles, Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar launched a scathing attack on the taxi operators stating that the lobby has brought bad name to Goa tourism internationally.
Ajgaonkar informed the House that the State government is fully supporting ‘Goa Miles,’ and wants the taxi operators to be part of it. Ruling out possibility of shutting the app-based taxi service, Minister said that “one has to adapt to new technology”.
Minister was speaking during the Zero Hour mention by NCP MLA Churchill Alemao who demanded that the taxis operating for ‘Goa Miles’ should not be allowed to have their taxi stand in the coastal belt. He also claimed that the ‘Goa Miles’ was affecting the trade of traditional tourist taxi operators.
“We are not against the taxi operators but at the same time, the app is been welcomed by the people, not just in Goa, but both by national and international tourists visiting the coastal State,” Ajgaonkar said.
Ajgaonkar said that the State’s image has been dented due to behaviour and tariff offered by tourist taxi operators. He said that worldwide Goa has been known for its bad taxi service. “One has to accept the technology and be part of it. Taxi operators have created their own lobby. Because of few taxi operators, who are charging fees, as per their wishes, Goa tourism image is been spoiled on international platform,” Minister said.
“Government is fully in favour of app-based taxi and will continue to support it,” he added.
