Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: WRD Minister Subhash Phal Dessai today said that public input will be taken into account before making a decision regarding ferry boat fares.
“If people are unwilling, the government will make a choice. If necessary, CM will step in and make a decision, he stated.
He further said that he would talk to MLAs and local leaders as well,” but pleaded with the public to embrace the idea.
According to Phaldessai, the goal of charging more for ferry boat travel for four-wheelers and introducing tickets for two-wheelers is to increase income by improving the service and preventing revenue leakage through technology.
Phal Dessai claimed that Rs 40 to 50 crore are being spent to provide the free ferry service and the same money can be used to enhance the service, do away with old ferry boats and introduce state-of-the-art ferry boats.
A fare of Rs 5 per trip is proposed to be introduced for two-wheelers and Rs 40 per trip for four-wheelers.
The option of a monthly pass of Rs 150 for two-wheelers and Rs 600 for four-wheelers is also proposed.
Meanwhile, Phaldessai also said that the entire process of taking and renewing passes as well as daily ticketing is to be digitised.
