Is taxi agitation at Mopa being politicised?

The Pernem taxi agitation issue has been the center of attention recently, with taxi drivers in Pernem raising several demands and grievances.
However, the crucial question that arises amidst this agitation is whether political parties and activists are using this issue for their own agendas rather than focusing on finding a practical solution.
Instead of addressing the core problems and working towards a resolution, it appears that these groups are encouraging the creation of a panicky atmosphere.
The demands of the local taxi drivers in Mopa Pernem are not to be taken lightly. They are seeking a local taxi counter free of cost, emphasizing their contribution and sacrifice of ancestral land for the development of the airport.
Additionally, they are calling for an immediate rollback of exorbitant parking and arrival pick-up charges, which they claim have been hiked unlawfully without considering local authority.
The drivers are also vehemently against illegal transportation practices such as private taxis, private rental services, and rent-a-cab operations at Mopa airport.
According to them, these practices violate the Motor Vehicle Act of 2005, and they demand the immediate cessation of such activities.
It is quite surprising to note that some of the protesting taxi operators themselves are involved in rent-a-bike and rent-a-cab businesses, which raises a conflict of interest and questions regarding the sincerity of their demands.
Furthermore, they are advocating for the removal of illegal cab aggregator counters, citing that these are in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act and stating that vehicles should operate through online platforms rather than having physical stations.
One of their key demands is to keep existing roads open for local commercial vehicles and to avoid imposing tolls on the Mopa Airport Link road. While these demands are justifiable and deserve consideration, it is important to examine what the common people of Goa stand to gain from this situation.
It is an undebatable fact that taxi fares in Goa are deemed exorbitant and unaffordable for the local population, prompting many residents to opt for personal vehicles over taxis.
In contrast, services like Goa Miles offer affordable fares, with minimum charges starting at Rs 143, a far cry from the Rs 500 or Rs 600 that some taxis demand.
The exorbitant pricing of taxis in Goa has garnered widespread attention, with social media platforms buzzing with comments from tourists expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
In the midst of all these demands and concerns, it is essential to maintain a balanced approach that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders, including the general public, taxi drivers, and tourists.
The politicization of this issue must be set aside to prioritize finding a practical and equitable solution that benefits everyone involved. It is imperative for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a resolution that addresses the grievances of the taxi drivers while also ensuring fair and reasonable transportation services for the people of Goa.