Special Correspondent
Panaji
Local cabbies as well as commuters stand to gain from the proposed revamp in aggregator transport that aims to tap the unfulfilled demand.
The newly drafted Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 recently published in the gazette aims at modernising the state’s taxi sector by facilitating app-based convenience and protecting the interests of local operators, while also providing convenience to Goan commuters and tourists.
The draft guidelines speak of regulating ride-hailing services and allowing taxi drivers to operate through any aggregator app of their choice using government notified rates.
Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek stated that the Goa recorded over one crore tourist arrivals in 2024, but the real story lies in the unmet local demand.
“Even if just three per cent of Goa’s population use taxis regularly, the number of trips generated by locals would be far greater than those by tourists,” he added. “This clearly indicates that the real, long-term market for taxi services lies within our own communities”.
The absence of regulated, app-based taxi services poses a significant challenge to the everyday lives of Goan residents. From working women needing safe transportation late at night, to senior citizens seeking reliable travel for medical appointments and differently-abled commuting to their work place, the lack of accessible and dependable taxi options affect people across all age groups and walks of life.
This service gap has led to an increased dependence on self-driven and private vehicles, which has led to rising traffic congestion, clogged parking spaces, higher road accident risks and increased vehicular pollution. Goa has 882 vehicles per 1,000 people, more than three times the national average of 246, placing immense pressure on its road infrastructure and urban planning.
Asserting that the draft guidelines have been designed with clear safeguards, Abhishek said that they ensure drivers receiving the full government-notified fare, regardless of the aggregator’s pricing to customers, while commissions, if any, will be absorbed by the platform and won’t be passed on to the driver.
“The guidelines also provide enhanced support specifically for women drivers, who will receive full reimbursement of vehicle insurance cost up to Rs 30,000, along with a subsidy of Rs 1 lakh for purchase of a new electric vehicle,” he said, adding that the health insurance coverage extended to them will also include their parents and children, offering comprehensive financial and social security for women and their families.
Speaking further, the transport director said that these targeted incentives are designed to promote financial stability, accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and foster a more inclusive and equitable transportation ecosystem in Goa.
“Based on the current government-notified fares, the weighted average of taxi fare across Goa has been calculated at Rs 32 per kilometre. After including average aggregator commission and applicable taxes, the total cost to the passenger comes to approximately Rs 38 per kilometre,” Abhishek said, pointing out, “Even at this rate, the cost of travel remains reasonable for commuters, and at these estimated prices, a trip from Mopa airport to Panaji costs around Rs 1,487, Dabolim to Panaji about Rs 1,068, Panaji to Margao approximately Rs 1,296 and Panaji to Palolem around Rs 2,173.”
It was stated that these all-inclusive fares ensure passengers pay a fair price while drivers receive their full earnings without any deductions.
