Staff Reporter
Panaji
The state government has amended its Motor Vehicles Rules to recognise mobile applications as legitimate fare meters for taxi services. The notification, published on Thursday, marks a major shift in how ride-hailing services can operate in the popular tourist destination.
The new rules, effective immediately, eliminate the mandatory requirement for physical printers in cabs operated under app-based services, provided the apps can generate SMS or email-based ride invoices.
The decision follows a 15-day public consultation period initiated in January during which no objections were raised against the proposed changes. Officials cited the move as part of broader efforts to align Goa’s transport policies with the Centre’s Digital India vision while reducing operational burdens on drivers and aggregators.
Under the revised Rule 140 of the Goa Motor Vehicles Rules, 1991, motorcabs affiliated with app-based platform like Goa Miles can now rely on their apps to calculate fares and issue digital receipts. Previously, drivers were required to install fare meters with printers to generate physical
invoices.
While traditional taxis outside app-based platforms must continue using conventional fare meters, the new rules specifically target motorcabs linked to aggregators. This distinction ensures that legacy systems remain unaffected, preserving choice for both drivers and commuters.
