Herald: Don’t you think the Taxi issue is spoiling the state’s tourism image?
Vinayak Nanoskar: It is a stunt of hoteliers and the TTAG. They want to get Ola and Uber to Goa. These people are hand in glove with these the taxi giants. At many places, local tourist taxi operators have protested against these operators. We are simply targeted by the tourism body, is there any police complaint against us? We are spoiling the tourism industry in Goa whereas these hoteliers, they are charging the tourist four times more the actual cost. Why is there no check on hoteliers.
Herald: It is widely believed that taxi operators are dictating the government and putting pressure on the authorities with strikes and protests, what you have to say to this?
VN: Bank employees who are highly paid are protesting and going on strikes, government employees are also on strikes, we don’t have any right to go on strikes? We are protesting for our livelihood. What right Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has to talk on Taxi meters. They are been paid lakhs of rupees to talk against us, it is a conspiracy against Goan taxi operators.
Herald: Why you are opposing taxi meters and GPS system?
VN: Why we have to install GPS system, where there is compulsion to install meter for All India Permit tourist vehicle? All Goa Tourist (AGT) taxis has already installed the meters, without meters the taxis are not certified by RTO for fitness. The existing meter system has failed to implement by the government, the tariff was set 13 years back, till now department has not changed. What government has to say in this situation? There are 3500 AGT taxis are there in Goa.
Herald: Taxi operators are not overcharging the tourist who are arriving here?
VN: No, we are not over charging. Only hoteliers are overcharging them over their stay in Goa. Beer which is sold at Rs 30 in local bars is charged Rs 300 in big hotels, why only we are blamed? Why tourists are now diverted to Sri Lanka and Thialand? It is because of hoteliers not taxi operators. Tourists have alternate options with taxi if we are over charging, there are buses, there are tourist buses, motor bikes, pilots etc but there is no option with hotels in Goa.
Herald: What is your demand?
VN: Stop all illegal businesses. Around 30000 to 40000 bikes are illegally given on rent, almost 8000 private vehicles are also given on rent for self drive, stop all this. Why RTO and police are not taking action? First stop all illegal trades and then ask us to follow the law.
