The long-standing feud between local tourist taxi operators and app-based taxi services in Goa continues to simmer, with political leaders drawing the line. At the forefront of this dispute are Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, who represent contrasting viewpoints that reflect the broader conflict between traditional businesses and modern technology.
Lobo stands firmly by the local taxi operators, emphasizing their vital role in Goa’s tourism ecosystem while opposing the encroachment of aggregator services. His rhetoric resonates with his voter base, as many local taxi drivers have faced increasing pressure from competition introduced by GoaMiles. Recently, this friction boiled over into violence at Gauravaddo, Calangute, where a confrontation between a GoaMiles taxi driver and three local taxi operators escalated into an assault on a tourist. Such events paint a grim picture of the current atmosphere and threaten to tarnish Goa’s reputation as a welcoming tourist destination.
On the flip side, Minister Khaunte champions technology integration within Goa’s taxi services as essential for modernisation. He argues that aggregator-based systems can help streamline operations, reduce illegal activities, and improve overall transparency in pricing - an aspect that is increasingly important to visitors who are often subjected to inflated fares by local taxi operators. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has been consistently pushing for app-based taxi services with views aligning with Khaunte. App-based services have emerged as a breath of fresh air for many tourists who seek reliable and fair transportation options, often lamenting the chaotic state of traditional taxi services.
While both sides of this debate may have their merits, the need for a balanced approach has never been more urgent. The Goa government’s lack of decisive action in this space has compounded the issues, leaving tourists, local taxi operators, and the broader tourism industry in a state of limbo. The recent scuffle serves as a stark reminder that unresolved tensions can lead to dire consequences, not just for the individuals involved but for the entire State’s tourism sector.
The way forward lies in dialogue and collaboration rather than confrontation. As Lobo rightly pointed out, local taxi operators must engage proactively with the government to find sustainable solutions that allow them to thrive without resorting to violence or intimidation. On that count, it is equally important for the government to heed the criticisms of the local sector and ensure any proposed regulatory frameworks or aggregator implementations do not unfairly disadvantage those who have been serving the State’s tourism industry for years.
The core issue extends beyond personal interests; it touches the very essence of Goa’s identity as a globally recognised tourist hub. The continued discord between local operators and app-based services undermines the potential for a cohesive tourism strategy that benefits all stakeholders. The local operators must understand that if they refuse to embrace change and technological advancements, they risk being left behind in an evolving industry.
It is high time that all parties - local taxi operators, app-based service advocates, and government officials - find common ground. Constructive dialogue and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape could pave the way for a resolution that preserves the livelihoods of local taxi operators while simultaneously providing safe, reliable, and modern transportation options for tourists. In a rapidly changing world, Goa cannot afford to let this dispute continue to fester, especially when the reputation of its tourism industry hangs in the balance.
