90% of drivers from outside, locals must launch own app to compete: Monserrate
Panaji: Revenue Minister and Panaji BJP MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate on Monday demanded a complete ban on rent-a-car and rent-a-bike services in Goa to safeguard the interests of traditional taxi operators.
He was speaking after a meeting with taxi drivers on Monday.
Taxi operators from Panaji, Taleigao, and St Cruz met Monserrate to express their opposition to app-based taxi services and the rent-a-vehicle business.
“Rent-a-car and rent-a-bike services must be stopped. This will help our local taxi owners who are struggling,” Monserrate said, adding that the number of people renting cars and bikes continues to rise, particularly in coastal areas.
This trend, he said, is affecting traditional taxi operators and called for urgent government intervention.
On ‘outsiders’ operating taxis in Goa, he said, “About 90% of taxi drivers in Goa are from outside the state. Local drivers should come together and launch their own app to compete.”
He urged Goan taxi operators to adopt technology to strengthen their business.
The MLA criticised the Transport Department, stating it had failed to regulate parking in Panaji.
“All parking spots in Panaji are taken up by rent-a-cab operators. This is a complete failure of the Transport Department, and the director is responsible,” he said.
He added that he had already flagged the issue in the cabinet, which led to a halt in issuing new permits for rent-a-car services.
He said that many of those who invest in rent-a-vehicle businesses take loans and face repayment issues due to stiff competition. “We must protect these people,” he said. Monserrate suggested that the government provide fixed guarantees or financial protection to local taxi operators. “Once their financial worries are handled, they can focus on their work and provide better service,” he said.
