Goemkarponn desk
PANJIM: The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister – Shri Pramod Sawant and to the Hon’ble Tourism Minister – Manohar Ajgaonkar requesting the Government to allow app-based taxi service aggregators to operate in the interest of tourists and the Industry.
The Association has made the request on the back of the ongoing taxi operators’ strike in the State against Goa Miles, the State’s local app-based taxi service.
The Hospitality industry has expressed that app-based taxis provide good services at cheaper rates as against the existing taxi operators who charge exorbitant fares to tourists.
The industry is of the opinion that lopsided trade practices are detrimental to progress and discourage tourism in the State.
The HRAWI has stated that the local taxi operators’ demands are unreasonable and uncompetitive while viable and transparent app-based options are available.
“App based cab operators including Ola, Uber, and Goa Miles, among others offer tourists the choice of their ride. These operators provide decent services at reasonable fares to the local commuters as well as tourists, and hence should be allowed to operate. App based cab operators are operating in almost every State in the country but not in Goa which is a huge inconvenience for both the domestic as well as international tourists. We also suggest that the State Government implements the use of digital meters on all local taxis. This will bring transparency, and offer convenient and reliable taxi services in the State,” says Sherry Bhatia, President, HRAWI.
“Today, online services have become an important part of our day-to-day lives. The app-based cab services are a boon especially, for travelers who find it easy and convenient to plan and pre-book their trips. Being a tourist State, Goa will benefit with app based cab services which offer tourists easier, better and cheaper options. We therefore request the State Government to ensure that Goa Miles continues its operations along with other app-based taxi services that could also be allowed to operate in the interest of tourists and the Industry. The Government’s intervention on this matter will go a long way in aiding and enabling tourism in the State as local transport system is known to be the key driving factor in the promotion of Tourism,” concludes Mr. Menino Prioenca, EC committee member, HRAWI.
