Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: To avoid confusion and provide an alternative to app-based taxis, the State government has decided to introduce the Blue Cab service from the Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired the crucial meeting wherein it was decided to allot counter at the Airport for blue taxis, which will be operated only by Pernem locals.
Director Transport Rajan Satardekar said that close to 2000 applications had been received to be part of the service. Of these, he said 170 applicants had got their vehicles while the rest didn’t have them.
He said that the decision was taken to provide them with a counter and pick up point at the Airport.
“During the meeting, GMR Airport officials were also present, and we took the decision to provide them a counter and pick-up point at the Airport,” he added.
Satardekar said that there would be dedicated parking spaces for these taxis and also a pick bay.
“We have also discussed the colour code for cars, and we will speak with stakeholders and finalise the colour,” he added.
Director at Directorate of Civil Aviation Suresh Shanbhogue said that review was taken of the taxi situation at the Manohar International Airport.
“We discussed issues and especially for people of Pernem. We have got 1000 applications. Permits will be given to them by the transport department. As passengers increase, taxis will increase,” said Shanbhogue.
Greenfield Mopa Airport Taxi Association, Mopa Airport Local Taxi Association and Mopa Airport Taxi Association alleged that the State government is trying to create a divide between the taxi owners from Pernem and Mopa.
They had further said that the Goa government would introduce an app-based taxi service by taking all the stakeholders into confidence, but we do not want an app-based taxi service.
