Goa taxi drivers in protest against app-based service GoaMiles

Goa, India — Thousands of taxi drivers went on a massive protest against an app-based cab aggregator called GoaMiles.

The State Government recently allowed the ride-hailing app to operate last Friday, which caused an uproar among traditional taxi unions.

Furthermore, the on-going strike have significantly affected the city’s transportation. This forced the government to press additional state transport corporation buses to facilitate pick up of tourists at the Dabolim International Airport, railway and bus stations.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged taxi operators to withdraw the strike, saying that he was willing to talk. “We are willing to talk. If the taxi operators want, the government can start a special app service for our striking taxi operators. But they have to embrace technology.”

Moreover, Sawant states that the step was taken to “ensure that tourists in the state are not inconvenienced”.

However, Goa Taxi Operators Union head Chetan Kamat says that the decision is already firm and the strike will continue. “The government has to shut it down for a level playing field,” Kamat said.

Several complaints have accused over 30,000 tourist taxi drivers of over-charging and threatening passengers.

The state government attempted to install and implement a fare-meter system several times. However, none have been successful.