In a revolutionary (and much awaited) move by the government of Goa, Goa now has its very own app-based cab service called ‘Goa Miles’, which will reportedly charge only government approved rates.
Due to regulatory norms, Olas and Ubers have till date not been allowed to enter the state of Goa, which is why tourist taxis were operating their businesses individually. However, such taxis were not easily available and overcharging of fares proved to be a major issue, with both Indian and foreign tourists. The Goa Miles app claims to be the first of its kind launched by any State Government in India.
“Today, the taxi business does not realise its full potential. The requirement of taxis will increase two to three times. People will even stop using their cars as taxis would be easily available. The taxis will charge government approved rates “, said Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar at the launch of the app. He also added that the requirement for these taxis will increase two to three times, as will the income of the drivers registered with the app. “Cheating of the customers is ruled out”, he said.
Goa Miles is available for download from the Google PlayStore and the AppStore, hoping to make travelers’ journeys more affordable and comfortable. According to reports, the app received 120 bookings within an hour of its launch. GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) Chairman Nilesh Cabral said that around 3,000 taxis but only 350 of these were registered. Their passenger base, however, had already touched 6,000 even before the app’s launch.
“Customers will get honest service and will get to know the fare before the journey starts. The taxi will reach the doorstep of the customer. There is also a panic-emergency button available on the app”, said tourism minister Manohar Azgaonkar.
Taxi owners can register their taxis under the app with the GTDC, free of charge. The app also has an inbuilt e-wallet option where the user will have to have a minimum balance of Rs. 200.
“We have not introduced this app to challenge someone but to provide better service. We want everyone to join the service to do good business. We want the Goan taxi business to get a good reputation”, tourist taxi union member Sarvesh Chowgule told TOI.
