Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has stated that GoaMiles’ counter at Manohar International Airport (MIA) will remain in place despite the ongoing dispute between the company and operators of tourist taxis.
Godinho also claims that GoaMiles is a legitimate taxi aggregator and, unlike tourist taxis, generates Rs 8.5 crore for the government.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar told the House that Goa Miles was snatching away the business of local taxi operators at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that 95 per cent of Goa Miles at Mopa are Goans and 80 per cent are from Pernem.
The minister claimed during Question Hour that the government has lost Rs 500 crore in the last five years as a result of tourist taxi operators’ refusal to use any app-based platforms.
There are 1560 GoaMiles taxis in operation, and they reportedly pay the government about Rs 1.5 crore in taxes. Since 2018, they have been paying GST, which has produced approximately Rs 6.96 crore.
However, tourist taxis are exempt from the GST system and do not have to pay taxes. He claimed that the government had lost Rs 500 crore as a result of their refusal to use any app.
The minister also told the Assembly that cab aggregator counters are present at several Indian airports and train stations, and that taxis are integrated with a variety of app-based platforms in other states.
According to Godinho, “Goans are also using Goamiles cabs today because these are affordable, unlike the taxis.”
