Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji: Nearly eight months after the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 was published in the official gazette on May 20, 2025, the state government is yet to take a final decision on the policy, with 3,802 objections and suggestions still under examination by the transport department.
Officials said the consultation process is ongoing and that all feedback will be examined before the guidelines are finalised and notified.
Official data shows that the department received objections and suggestions from individuals, taxi associations, unions and other stakeholders, along with 290 letters supporting the draft and urging its early implementation. Soon after the draft was published, sections of the taxi sector opposed it, saying it would open the sector to private app-based aggregators, which could influence fares and reduce their autonomy.
Some political representatives said the policy could disrupt a sector that provides livelihoods to many Goans if adequate safeguards were not ensured.
Individuals, consumer groups and representatives from the tourism sector, however, submitted suggestions pointing to issues such as refusal of rides, lack of fare transparency and inconvenience to residents and visitors. They said regulation of app-based services was required to address long-standing service gaps while ensuring accountability.
At present, two app-based aggregators, Goa Miles and Goa Taxi App, operate in the state, with 5,506 taxis registered for app-based services. The draft guidelines seek to regulate such platforms.
The draft estimates around 4.19 crore taxi trips annually and states that demand aggregation through apps could reduce reliance on self-driven cars and rent-a-cabs, easing congestion, parking pressure, accidents and pollution. To address operators’ concerns, the draft restricts aggregator operations to vehicles registered in Goa with valid taxi permits and drivers holding Goa-issued PSV badges. Aggregators are barred from charging commissions, with the full government-notified fare to be paid directly to drivers or vehicle owners.
Drivers are exempted from installing digital meters while operating through apps and are permitted to operate independently or across multiple platforms.
Asked whether the draft could be withdrawn, a senior official said that a decision would be taken in the interest of all stakeholders after due consideration.
