Panaji: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has ruled out compensation or regulatory relief for traditional taxi operators who installed fare meters at their own cost, stating that the amended rules now allow app-based meters.
He was responding to an unstarred question from RGP MLA Viresh Borkar, seeking details on the number of taxis registered under app platforms, whether they must comply with fare meter norms, and the government’s stand on the now-obsolete meters.
He also asked whether any steps were planned for already-installed meters and if compensation was being considered.
Godinho said 3,100 taxis are currently registered under Goa Miles and 1,353 under the Goa Taxi App.
He said that as per amended Rule 140 of the Goa Motor Vehicle Rules, 1991 (via the 2025 amendment), “if the motorcab is operating under an app-based aggregator, the app may be considered as a fare meter,” provided it can issue invoices via SMS or email.
“The government is aware that many taxi operators installed fare meters at a considerable cost following directions from the High Court and orders from the Transport Department,” said Godinho.
On the issue of what would be done with these meters, he said, “The position has been clarified through the amendment… steps regarding already-installed fare meters do not arise.”
Regarding compensation, Godinho said, “No such decision is under consideration.” However, he added that a one-time scheme had reimbursed Rs 11,234 per digital fare meter installed, with a total disbursal of Rs 2.56 crore to eligible applicants.
