Revolutionizing Goa's Taxi Landscape: New Guidelines Aim to Balance Tradition and Modernization

The Goa transport department received over 3,800 public inputs on the draft taxi aggregator guidelines. Aimed at updating the sector, these policies also protect local taxi operators. Measures include designated airport counters and proposed permits for affected landowners while promoting app-based services with specific conditions for operation.

The Goa transport department has been inundated with 3,802 objections and suggestions concerning the draft taxi aggregator guidelines. This development was announced by Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho in a written response to the state assembly, as the guidelines aim to modernize the sector while protecting local taxi operators.

To address the concerns of local operators, the government is implementing various support measures. These include securing designated taxi counters at major airports and covering a portion of lease rents for select taxi associations. Additionally, local landowners impacted by airport construction have been offered taxi permits.

Furthermore, the government has made strides in relaxing regulations for app-based taxi services by allowing the installation of vehicle location tracking devices from any compliant vendor and exempting obligatory digital fare meters. During COVID-19, tax waivers were also granted. Currently, two app-based taxi services operate in Goa, with incentives planned for electric taxi adoption, particularly benefiting female drivers.

(With inputs from agencies.)