MAPUSA
The long-standing dispute between local tourist taxi operators and cab aggregators in the State has resurfaced, with Calangute MLA Michael Lobo once again taking a strong stance against aggregator services.
Lobo has called for an immediate resolution to the issue, stating that until a viable solution is found, he will not permit cab aggregators to operate in Calangute.
Lobo emphasised that the tourist taxi industry has traditionally been the domain of local operators and should remain that way.
“We don’t want aggregators. Unless a solution is found to the issue, we will not allow any cab aggregators,” he stated. At the same time, he advised tourist taxi operators to engage with the government and seek a middle ground.
Lobo also criticised the mandatory installation of fare meters in tourist taxis, pointing out that while the devices are not in use, operators are still required to pay an annual renewal fee of over Rs 4,000.
“It’s a joke because the meter is not used at all, but they have to pay the fee. We understand our boys’ difficulty, and the government should come out with a solution to the taxi issue,” he added.
The tension between traditional taxi operators and aggregator services has been simmering for years, particularly since the introduction of the government-backed app-based taxi service, Goa Miles.
The app was introduced as a means to modernise Goa’s taxi industry, bringing in transparency, fair pricing, and a streamlined service model. However, it has been met with fierce resistance from local taxi operators, who view it as a direct threat to their livelihoods.
In an effort to bridge the divide, the Goa government also introduced Goa Taxi, an aggregator platform developed with the participation of local taxi operators. However, this initiative has also faced opposition from a section of traditional taxi operators who remain unwilling to embrace technology-driven models.
Despite resistance from taxi operators, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has remained firm in his stance on incorporating technology into the State’s transportation system.
“We have to accept that we cannot ignore technology in present times. The local taxi operators and the government should be on the same page while finding a way out of this issue,” Sawant stated at an event in Calangute on Wednesday.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte echoed this sentiment, emphasising that digitisation is necessary for streamlining business operations, preventing touting and improving transparency in the industry.
“The CM is firm on this, and so are we. Michael Lobo is also on board when it comes to technology. Aggregators are necessary to regulate the business. This issue has to be resolved as it is affecting tourism,” Khaunte said.
He further pointed out that technology is not just beneficial for taxis but also for other tourism-related businesses such as water sports, where regulation can help eliminate illegal activities.
“At present, we have two aggregators in the state – Goa Miles and Goa Taxi. Whether more aggregators should be allowed or not will be the CM’s decision. Goa Taxi is an app developed by local taxi operators, and they should adopt it,” he added.
While taxi operators continue to resist aggregator services, the tourism industry in the State is facing a growing wave of dissatisfaction.
Many tourists have raised complaints about overcharging by local taxi operators and are actively seeking alternative transportation options.
The lack of a standardised fare system and transparency in pricing has led to negative reviews, impacting the overall reputation of Goa’s tourism sector.
With digital aggregators offering a more structured fare system and convenience, tourists and tourism stakeholders see their inclusion as a necessary step toward improving the travel experience in Goa.
However, until local taxi operators and the government reach a consensus, the ongoing standoff is likely to persist, further affecting the tourism industry’s credibility.
