Goa: Private cab operators to hold 'mega rally' on Aug-17
What's the story
The private cab operators in Goa will hold a "mega rally" on August 17 against the app-based taxi service launched by a state-run agency. The cab operators have claimed that the "GoaMiles" taxi service, launched last week by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), will destabilize their business. They have called for a mega rally at Pernem town in North Goa district.
Details
Traditional cab services were operating without complaints: Taxi Union president
The rally's aim is to pressurize the state government to withdraw the permission granted to the app-based taxi service. "No one demanded the app-based taxis when our traditional cab services are operating without any complaints. The state government has forced this service on us to destabilize the business of private taxi operators," Morjim Taxi Union president, Sanjay Kole, said.
Meetings
Meetings were held between cab operators to plan next action
Operators of the yellow-and-black private taxi cabs, that run in the beach belt of Keri, Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol, Baga, and Calangute in North Goa, met yesterday in Pernem, about 50km from Panaji, to chalk out their future course of action. A similar meeting of taxi operators was also held at Saligao, a village near Candolim beach in North Goa, around 20km from Panaji.
App-based service
App-based taxi service working smoothly: State Tourism Minister
Last week, Goa CM Manohar Parrikar launched the app-based taxi service, which has a fleet of 300-odd taxi operators. The service was launched amidst protests by the yellow-and-black taxi operators plying from Goa's airport at Dabolim. State Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said the app-based taxi service has been working smoothly. "If anyone has a problem, the state government will look into it," he added.