Team Goemkarponn
DABOLIM: In a move aimed at easing the financial burden on private bus operators and ensuring commuters continue to enjoy affordable fares, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Friday handed over a fuel subsidy worth ₹39,38,177 to 86 private bus owners. The distribution, held at his office in New Vaddem, Vasco, was part of the Goa State Fuel Subsidy to Private Stage Carriage Operators Scheme, 2014.
The sanctioned subsidy, approved by Chief Minister and Finance Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, covers verified claims for the period between July 2018 and March 2019. Officials said the initiative was designed to stabilise the state’s public transport network by cushioning operators against fluctuating fuel costs, while assuring passengers that no fare hike would be effected during the current financial year.
Addressing the gathering, Godinho underlined the vital role of private buses in Goa’s public transport landscape. “Private bus operators form the backbone of Goa’s public transport system. By providing this fuel subsidy and by promoting schemes like Mhaji Bus, our government is ensuring that operators remain financially supported while commuters continue to access affordable and reliable services,” he remarked.
The minister further noted that the subsidy scheme reflects the government’s commitment to strike a balance between strengthening public transport infrastructure and safeguarding the interests of everyday travellers. “This is not merely financial assistance but an assurance that our commuters will not feel the pinch of rising fuel prices in the form of increased ticket fares,” Godinho added.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Directorate of Transport and representatives of the Regional Transport Authority, who oversaw the distribution process. The presence of stakeholders, including bus operators, lent weight to what many described as a timely intervention to keep Goa’s public transport services running smoothly.
