DABOLIM:
The Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has said that the Goa Miles counter at the airport is illegal as they have flouted rules.
He said the counter would not remain at the airport.
Godinho speaking to Geomkarponn said, “It was wrong to give a counter to Goa Miles at the airport. It is now trying to dislodge the traditional taxi owners from the business. I feel there has been injustice for the taxi operators at the airport.”
He said he has invited the protesting taxi associations for a meeting on April 20.
“Let them come with their issues and I will put forth their grievances before the the Cabinet on April 21,” he said.
The minister said the issue had been discussed at a high-level meeting with airport authorities, chief secretary and department officials last week.
“It was informed that the airport cannot transfer these counters directly to the transport department. The airport director said the tourism department must hand over the two counters used by GoaMiles back to them, after which they will transfer it to the State government and it can then be allotted to the transport department,” said Godinho.
He said, “The file for the two counters has been moved and we have to first clear the counter dues amounting to Rs 1.54 crore to the airport authority. The tourism department will pay Rs 1 crore, while the transport department and airport-based United Taximen Association will pay Rs 27 lakh each.”
“Once these two counters are handed over to the transport department, we will meet all taxi associations and take a decision and place it before the cabinet.”
Meanwhile, Godinho has invited the agitating taxi operators to set up their own app.
He said the transport department would be willing to fund the initiative.
Godinho said, “We cannot force taxi operators to join GoaMiles, but there have been positive statements by them of willing to go digital in the future and they are aware of apps.”
“If taxi operators don’t want GoaMiles, they can have their own app and the transport department is willing to fund it.”