VASCO
There could be two sets of pilots operating at Dabolim airport in future, if a demand by the Mormugao Motorcycle Taxi Association (MMTA) for a counter at the airport is accepted by the
government.
The motorcycle pilots affiliated to the MMTA have requested the government to provide them a counter at the airport similar to a counter set up for the black and yellow car taxis, in view of the forthcoming tourist season and to safeguard their livelihood.
As many as 150 motorcycle pilots are associated with the MMTA and are stationed outside the Mormugao Municipal council (MMC) building at Vasco, Mangor area, railway station, Sada, Harbour and behind the Vasco Post Office.
MMTA President Babu Asolkar told The Goan that though the business still continues across the State, there are few takers for the trade and business is also down.
"The younger generation is not interested in taking the business ahead. The youth prefer plying cars as taxis, but feel ashamed to ride black-yellow motorcycle taxis. I have been pilot for 20 years now and our children feel ashamed to say that their father is a pilot," said Asolkar.
"Business is also down and we get one customer after about three hours of waiting patiently. We struggle to get business and it is barely enough to ensure our basic meals."
"Though we are one-of-a-kind taxi service in the country and one of the oldest transport services in Goa, we do not get support from authorities. The government has not taken any initiative to support and keep alive this motorcycle taxi business," said Asolkar.
Another motorcycle pilot, Amin Mujawar, recalled that in the 1980s, the motorcycle pilot business was thriving as not many could afford their own two-wheelers.
"But with the time, almost everyone has a personal two-wheeler and some have even started a rent-a-bike business. We have lost business due to both these factors," said Mujawar.
The MMTA claimed it has only three legally notified motorcycle taxi stands in Vasco and has demanded a total of 14 notified stands
in Vasco.
A motorcycle pilot on condition of anonymity told The Goan that when they tried to pick up customers at Dabolim airport, they were driven out by black and yellow taxi
operators.
"They fear we may eat into their business. The police present at Dabolim airport do nothing if we inform them about the matter," the motorcycle pilot said.
"The government has been very active in issuing and sorting out the matter of ‘rent-a-bike' operators, but we are totally neglected and no one is bothered to preserve our unique profession. Why should we be deprived of a counter at Dabolim airport for our livelihood and to pass on this age-old business to the next generation," asked Asolkar.
