Goa's Taxi Turmoil: App-Based Services Face Resistance

Goa's Transport Minister, Mauvin Godinho, criticized tourist taxi operators for opposing app-based services, which harms tourism. Operators are urged to join existing apps like Goa Miles. The resistance is jeopardizing the state's tourism image. Opposition demands scrapping draft guidelines, while the Chief Minister promises new policies.

In a strong statement on Monday, Goa's Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho targeted the tourist taxi operators opposing app-based services. He argued that their resistance is tarnishing the coastal state's tourism image and urged them to adopt digital platforms.

Godinho's comments came during a state assembly session. He emphasized the government's willingness to exclude services like Ola and Uber in favor of local apps such as Goa Miles, which are already operational. Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao raised the contentious issue, prompting Godinho to question the operators' reluctance, likening Goa's situation to a 'separate republic'.

The discussion saw Chief Minister Pramod Sawant intervening, assuring that the draft guidelines for taxi aggregators would be revised. Alemao, representing Congress, demanded respect for local sentiments and the withdrawal of the proposed draft, highlighting that 93% of taxi operators have voiced objections.