Goa govt to launch app-based taxi service by May-end

PANAJI: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is almost ready with its app-based taxi service, which it is likely to roll out by May-end. With this, the government is hopeful of solving the vexed tourist taxi issue that has been plaguing the state’s tourism sector for several years.
The GTDC had announced the app two months ago following the tourist taxi operators’ strike. GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral said, “All taxi operators registered with the Goa transport department will be at liberty to join the app, subject to the condition that their documents are in order.”

Government notified taxi rates would be made applicable, he said.

Confirming the launch of the taxi service that will have operational features almost similar to that of Uber and other such professional taxi services that have a presence in other parts of the country, GTDC managing director Nikhil Desai said the launch was scheduled for May-end so that the service would get time to “stabilise by the time the tourist season sets in”.

“The app is almost ready,” Desai said. “We want to encourage local Goan taxi drivers. They will have to apply online,” he added.

‘Govt has got requests from cabbies’

“Once we’re ready, we will incorporate their details. Only Goan taxis will be ported on to the system.”

TTAG president Savio Messias said, “I hope the app is successful, but I would have loved if it was outsourced to professionals like Ola and Uber.”

The GTDC managing director said that taxi operators had been opposed to the entry of outside players like Ola/ Uber because of the heavy fees — up to 20% — they charge taxi operators. “Since this is a government service, we will not charge them anything,” Desai said. The GTDC is now waiting to gauge how many people are willing to join the platform.

The government has received requests from taxi operators to register themselves on the service, he added.

Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) will run the back-end software while GTDC will run the front-end applications.

President North Goa Tourist Taxi Association Vasudev Arlekar said that GTDC should provide business to all 20,000 taxi operators through their app, otherwise, it would lead to infighting between taxi operators. “It can take our taxis and operate them on contract and give us the rent. If a Panaji taxi, which is registered with the GTDC app, comes to Candolim to pick up the customer then others will not allow them to pick the customer,” he said.

South Goa Tourist Taxi Operators Association Roque Fernandes refused to comment on the app saying that he will have to see it first.