Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE: A meeting between local taxi operators and MLA Michael Lobo turned tense after disagreements surfaced regarding the future of taxi services in the state. Lobo emphasized the need to modernize the industry, stating that “everything should be online,” including transparent market rates for taxi fares.
The MLA also reassured operators that no external aggregators would be permitted to operate in the state, a move aimed at protecting local interests. However, taxi operators made it clear that they were not in favor of any aggregator model, whether local or external.
Tensions escalated when several taxi owners refused to participate in a collective discussion. A visibly frustrated Lobo criticized their reluctance, urging unity within the sector. “Sit and talk!” he exclaimed, calling for cooperation and dialogue instead of resistance.
Despite his efforts to mediate, the meeting ended without consensus, highlighting the growing friction between policymakers and the taxi community over the digitization of transportation services.
MLA Michael Lobo reaffirmed his strong support for local taxi operators amid rising tensions over the proposed Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025. Speaking to the media, Lobo said he would personally meet Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and the state BJP president to ensure that taxi operators are not sidelined in the decision-making process.
“From the beginning, I have been with the taxi operators. They are not asking for government jobs. They are working hard and standing on their own feet. We need to support them,” Lobo stated, emphasizing the need to protect the livelihood of thousands of Goan drivers.
On Monday, hundreds of taxi operators gathered at the Transport Department office at Junta House in Panaji to submit their objections and suggestions regarding the newly proposed aggregator guidelines, which aim to regulate app-based ride-hailing services in the state. The draft was officially notified on May 20.
Lobo acknowledged the necessity of modernizing transport services but warned against implementing reforms at the cost of local businesses. “The question is how do we manage these changes without creating more problems? Our business must remain in our hands, not be taken over by others
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