By Rahul Prabhu Mhambre
The issue of introducing an app for taxicars in Goa has been simmering for years. It’s a complex matter, and there’s no simple answer to whether or not such an app should be implemented.
What is indisputable, however, is the loyalty of Goa’s traditional taxi drivers. Over the years, they’ve built lasting relationships with their clientele, and notably, there have been no significant incidents reported that would suggest tourists are unsafe using their services. In fact, many tourists plan their travel around the availability of their trusted taxi drivers—a testament to the deep trust developed over time.
An average young Goenkar embarks on his entrepreneurial journey by pooling family resources, often starting a small food stall, a guesthouse, or a taxi business. These are grassroots efforts that sustain families without much government support. The entry of cab aggregators threatens to disrupt this delicate ecosystem. Maybe not in a few months, but certainly within a few years, local taxi drivers could be pushed out entirely, with app owners dictating terms and fares.
That said, taxi operators must acknowledge the shifting public sentiment. A blanket call to “scrap the app” will no longer win public favor. What’s needed is a thoughtful, viable alternative. The 15-odd taxi unions must unite and present a collective, transparent, and commuter-friendly solution that balances their business interests with modern expectations.
For the government to blame taxi operators for the drop in tourism is a shallow argument. The reality is that potholed roads, widespread garbage, and sky-high airfares and hotel rates all contribute to a negative tourist experience. Singling out taxi drivers is merely an easy scapegoat. The difficult but necessary task of improving public transport is not even considered—why?
That said, giving taxi drivers a free hand without accountability is not an option either. There must be transparent pricing, whether through metered fares or another easily understood and measurable system.
Goa doesn’t need aggregators—it needs accountability. The livelihood of local taxi drivers must be sustained, while also improving the travel experience for all.
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