We met CM Mr. Manohar Parrikar on Oct. 27th. 2017, he was positive that Ola/Uber didn't suit Goa, however he said they are working on system except that the taxi cannot be called/booked with an app. He would be meeting all stakeholders including CITIZENS FOR CHANGE around mid-November where the solution could be debated. The CM also said that he is aware of some people are active on social media but he doesn't see much interest among the Goan public for taxi issue, he wanted people to come out on the streets to really show seriousness of the issue. We were waiting all this time to get a date so we can inform you and get as much support as needed for the debate and we have called several times CM's office and sent emails but there is no response. Instead of facilitating debate on the issue govt takes decisions within closed doors, Parrikar has approved 90% subsidy for taxi meters for the obsolete taxi meter system against public opinion. Ironically Goans fundamental right to open competition with Ola/Uber has been denied by this Government to allow loot from Taxi drivers that too with subsidy from public funds. Goa needs world class taxi to support the core business of Tourism. The MLA's themselves own fleets of licensed taxis, the vehicle supporting drug and prostitution business that brings in commissions that would vanish if market is opened uo to competition from Ola/Uber. Our ex Defense Minister is serving the interests of Taxi Mafia. Even for fixing the meters there are delaying tactics, the Taxi association is divided, with South Goa association agreeing and North Goa is against, even challenging High Court order. In this situation it is the duty of the CM to resolve the issue and facilitate debate with public opinion. CM has to explain why Ola/Uber is not suited for Goa. Taxi owners are saying why they are the ony ones targetted when TTAG are charging tourists in foreign currency, is this not cheating and that hotels overchage during weekend. Clearly the leadership is missing in Goa at a time when it's needed. The taxi petition is followed by people from across the world, it's time Parrikar takes a note, we have been approached by reporters from different places who are surprised by Government policy and people's lax attitude, due to which the mafia operations rule over Goa. As awareness increases from this petition, tourists will avoid trips to Goa, some will make prior arrangements. Its better than those who come here and then get cheated. Tourism forums are filled with complaints about the taxi system. Using this petition as clear proof, those in Tourism business may be able to advise their clients and provide proper alternatives. We must ensure looters don't get any business. The tourist season has started, many have commented that because the taxi fare is more than the airfare, they like to drive 8-16 hours form different parts of India to come to Goa. This is the reason for traffic jams which could have been avoided with better alternative from taxi aggregators. Some people have asked us "Why are you not contacting Parrikar instead of going public ?". The fact of the matter is we have been constantly sending emails and calling CM's office but we dont get any response. CM is fully aware of the petition but is turning a blind eye. Here are the stakeholders: 1. CITIZENS FOR CHANGE Besides demanding taxi meters, they are also seeking the government permit app based cab aggregators for the convenience and reliability they offer 2. TAXI OPERATORS For them a solution would involve rounding up illegal operators including private cars being used as taxis as well as car rentals, something which is a logistical nightmare to enforce through 3. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION Approached the High Court with their only grouse being that the overcharging and rude taxi operators are bringing a bad name to Goa while threatening to wreck the tourism industry 4. RENT-A-CAB OPERATORS Their singular demand is that the government permit more of them to operate the business 10 Dec Transport dept initiates drive against illegal taxis http://epaper.navhindtimes.in/NewsDetail.aspx?storyid=7249&date=2017-12-10&pageid=1 25 Nov 2017 Mormugao taxi operators demand preference in ferrying cruise tourists http://www.navhindtimes.in/mormugao-taxi-operators-demand-preference-in-ferrying-cruise-tourists/ 24 Nov 2017 North taxi drivers divided on installation of digital meters https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/North-taxi-drivers-divided-on-installation-of-digital-meters/123033.html 24 Nov 2017 North Goa taxi owners allege digital meter issue was mishandled https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/n-goa-taxi-owners-allege-digital-meter-issue-was-mishandled/articleshow/61774524.cms 23 Nov 2017 Govt agrees in principle to 90% subsidy on taxi digital meters http://www.navhindtimes.in/govt-agrees-in-principle-to-90-subsidy-on-taxi-digital-meters 23 Nov 2017 North Goa cabbies may consider strike https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/north-goa-cabbies-may-consider-strike/articleshow/61760472.cms 23 Nov 2017 Process to install taxi meters gains steam https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/process-to-install-taxi-meters-gains-steam/articleshow/61760454.cms 21 Nov 2017 Cab owners in south Goa regret leaving traditional occupations http://www.navhindtimes.in/cab-owners-in-south-goa-regret-leaving-traditional-occupations/ 19 Nov 2017 VIJAI TO ARRANGE TAXI OWNERS-CM MEET https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cztkJtgMflY 19 Nov 2017 Tourist taxies to meet CM over grievances https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Tourist-taxies-to-meet-CM-over-grievances-/122792.html 14 Nov 2017 Taximen take up issues at Dabolim airport http://englishnews.thegoan.net/story.php?id=38436 13 Nov 2017 Hard ride so far: What does solving the taxi issue mean? http://englishnews.thegoan.net/story.php?id=38415 11 Nov 2017 Meet our demands, will install meters https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/meet-our-demands-will-install-meters/articleshow/61600279.cms 11 Nov 2017 South Goa taxi association flays practice of hiring outsiders for running taxis http://www.navhindtimes.in/south-goa-taxi-association-flays-practice-of-hiring-outsiders-for-running-taxis/ 10 Nov 2017 Goa may have its own App-based taxi service but… https://youtu.be/BD87wabMj1E