Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Government of Goa has officially introduced the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025, a landmark reform aimed at transforming the state’s taxi sector. This initiative seeks to integrate app-based convenience into public transport while safeguarding the livelihoods of local taxi drivers. It addresses long-standing issues such as the absence of digital taxi booking and the daily challenges faced by residents in accessing reliable transportation.
The policy establishes a balanced and inclusive model of mobility, improving public access to dependable and safe taxi services. Unlike unregulated models in other states, where excessive aggregator commissions and deep fare discounts often undercut driver earnings, the Goa guidelines ensure that drivers receive the full fare as notified by the government—offering them financial stability.
While Goa’s taxi problem is often viewed through the lens of tourism, this overlooks a larger and more urgent issue. The real challenge is the lack of regulated app-based services, which directly impacts everyday life for Goans. Working women needing safe transport at night, senior citizens requiring dependable travel to hospitals, and differently-abled individuals commuting to work all suffer from this gap. This is a fundamental issue of public mobility, not merely a tourist inconvenience.
The absence of reliable taxi services has pushed residents towards increased use of private and self-driven vehicles, contributing to traffic congestion, limited parking, heightened accident risks, and rising pollution. With 882 vehicles per 1,000 people—more than triple the national average of 246—Goa’s road infrastructure is under immense pressure.
“In 2024, Goa saw over one crore tourist arrivals, but our real mobility challenge lies in unmet local demand,” said Pravimal Abhishek, IAS, Director of Transport. “Even if only three percent of our population uses taxis daily, that demand outpaces tourism. Our transport system must address this persistent local need to be truly effective and inclusive.”
Although the demand for app-based taxi services is growing among commuters, taxi drivers remain wary. Their caution stems from experiences in other states, where increased rides did not translate into higher earnings. Instead, many drivers reported shrinking incomes, reduced autonomy, and rising operational expenses.
Local taxi operators in Goa are particularly concerned about losing control over their fares, dealing with hidden commissions, and rising costs—all of which could threaten their livelihoods. As Goa modernizes its transport infrastructure, addressing these concerns is essential to build trust and ensure equitable outcomes.
In many regions, aggregator platforms lure customers with discounted fares while deducting up to 25–30% from drivers’ earnings. This disconnect between customer payments and driver incomes has led to dissatisfaction, protests, and erosion of trust in several states—something Goan drivers are keen to avoid.
To address these issues, the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 provide strong safeguards. Under the new policy, drivers will always receive the full government-notified fare, regardless of the pricing offered by aggregators. Any commission costs must be borne by the platform—not the driver.
The guidelines aim to strike a careful balance between enhancing convenience for passengers and protecting the interests of drivers. Commuters benefit from app-based booking, digital payments, and dependable availability. Drivers, meanwhile, are assured of receiving the full fare, with no deductions. They are also permitted to work across multiple platforms and are guaranteed payment within 72 hours. Aggregators failing to do so will face a penalty of 25%.
In addition to these safeguards, the guidelines include a comprehensive welfare package to make taxi driving a secure and dignified livelihood. These incentives are intended to attract more Goans to the profession and encourage safer, greener transport options.
All app-based taxi drivers registered under the new framework will receive substantial welfare benefits. These include health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh, which increases by 5% annually, and vehicle insurance reimbursements of up to ₹20,000 or 50% of the premium—whichever is less. The policy also promotes gender inclusion. Women drivers will receive full reimbursement of up to ₹30,000 for vehicle insurance, a ₹1 lakh subsidy for purchasing a new electric vehicle, and extended health insurance covering their parents and children. These targeted incentives aim to boost financial stability, support the transition to electric mobility, and ensure greater inclusion in Goa’s transport system.
“The current average fare across Goa, based on notified government rates, is ₹32 per kilometre,” said Director Pravimal Abhishek. “With aggregator commissions and taxes included, this brings the total cost to around ₹38 per kilometre—still a reasonable rate for passengers.” Estimated trip costs include ₹1,487 from MOPA Airport to Panaji, ₹1,068 from Dabolim to Panaji, ₹1,296 from Panaji to Margao, and ₹2,173 from Panaji to Palolem. These all-inclusive fares ensure that passengers pay a fair rate while drivers receive their full earnings.
The Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 represent a bold shift in the state’s mobility strategy. By pairing the ease of digital taxi booking with strong protections for driver welfare, the policy fills long-standing gaps in Goa’s transport ecosystem. It ensures transparency, fairness, and efficiency—paving the way for a reliable, inclusive, and future-ready public transport system.
