NT Reporter
Panaji
Giving a breather to taxi operators, the Transport Department has issued a public notice allowing cabbies to procure digital fare meters with printer and GPS-tracking devices from any vendor of their choice so long as the devices comply with Rule 140 of the Goa Motor Vehicle Rules, 1991.
The move ends a long-standing arrangement under which two entities empanelled through Goa Electronics Limited were the principal suppliers for the fitment drive, a restriction that had drawn repeated protests from sections of taximen.
Transport officials said the latest relaxation permitting procurement from any compliant vendor and recognising app-based fare systems are aimed at removing bottlenecks, increasing competition, and accelerating full compliance while safeguarding travellers and operators alike.
The state’s push for digitalisation dates back to 2019 when two agencies were selected to supply integrated digital meters with printers, GPS and panic buttons; the High Court of Bombay at Goa has kept a close watch on the rollout ever since.
After renewed litigation, the government notified a reimbursement scheme in May 2021 — the Goa State Public Transport Reimbursement of Cost of Digital Fare Meter 2021.
It subsequently commenced a staggered installation programme that formally began on July 1, 2021.
The scheme was intended to protect operators from bearing the full upfront cost of devices and included phased reimbursement of the meter and data charges.
Resistance among taxi operators has been persistent. While explaining why meters were not used even after the fitment drive began, many drivers and owner-operators cited the high cost of certain digital meters, concerns over choice of vendor, fears about data charges and backend interoperability, and practical problems such as downtime and connectivity.
Associations representing tourist-taxi operators had repeatedly taken objections to the selection and costing of meters to court and in representations to the department, arguing that enforcement without adequate consultation would harm livelihoods.
Despite opposition, enforcement was pushed forth; permits and renewals were linked to meter fitment, and timelines were strictly framed for phased installation.
Though a large number of Goan taxis have now been equipped with digital meters or approved app-based alternatives — with one report putting fitted vehicles in the tens of thousands — signalling a marked shift from the prolonged impasse of previous years.
At the same time, the Legal Metrology Department continues to play a gatekeeping role: all meters must be tested, sealed and certified for legal metrology to ensure accuracy and consumer protection before being deployed on the road.
