Goa’s Taxi Turf War To Come To Halt
By Manu Shrivastava
In a decisive move to modernise Goa's taxi services, the state government has now introduced draft guidelines aimed at regulating app-based taxi aggregators.
This initiative seeks to dismantle the long-standing dominance of local taxi unions, notorious for overcharging tourists and obstructing competition.
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| The regulations may well end the turf war between local Goans and 'outsider' drivers |
The proposed regulations mandate that app-based aggregators obtain licenses from the State Transport Authority, valid for three years, and maintain a registered office in Goa. Aggregators are required to onboard only drivers possessing valid Goa Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges and vehicles with appropriate permits.
Additionally, drivers must receive government-approved fares for each trip, with aggregators obligated to settle payments within 72 hours, failing which a 25% daily penalty applies.
To support drivers, the guidelines offer incentives such as reimbursement of up to 50% or ₹20,000 (whichever is lower) of annual insurance costs, with female drivers eligible for 100% reimbursement up to ₹30,000.
Furthermore, female drivers are entitled to a ₹1 lakh subsidy for purchasing new electric vehicles.
These reforms have met with staunch opposition from local taxi unions, who argue that the guidelines threaten their livelihoods and open the market to external competition.
They contend that the move is an attempt to corporatise the taxi sector, undermining self-made businesses built over the years.
However, the government's stance is bolstered by widespread complaints from tourists regarding exorbitant fares, lack of transparency, and instances of intimidation by taxi operators. The tourism industry has long advocated for the integration of technology to enhance service quality and ensure fair pricing.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasised the necessity of aggregators to regulate the industry and improve the overall tourist experience.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has garnered cross-party support for the initiative, asserting that all taxi operators should join aggregator platforms. He highlighted that the adoption of app-based services would eliminate the need for traditional fare meters and streamline operations.
The introduction of these guidelines marks a pivotal shift in Goa's transportation landscape, aiming to balance the interests of local operators with the demands of a modern, tourist-friendly infrastructure.
As the state moves towards implementing these reforms, the focus remains on fostering a competitive, transparent, and efficient taxi service ecosystem that benefits both residents and visitors alike.
As the state moves towards implementing these reforms, the focus remains on fostering a competitive, transparent, and efficient taxi service ecosystem that benefits both residents and visitors alike.
(As Goa reels under the stark absence of tourists in 2025, the report delves into a key factor, generated following the Lawyers On Wheels programme held in May 2025. This stands as a testament to DraftCraft International's commitment to empowering communities through legal advocacy, offering a pathway to restore the zone’s tourism potential)
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