GOA TAXI REVOLUTION - NOGOA TOURISM HOTSPOT As 2017 comes to a close we would like to provide current status and summarize efforts by the Citizens for Change group. Thanks to Goa365 for debate hosted by Mr. Sandesh Prabhudesai for public information on the core of the core issue (url at end). Clearly the debate shows Goa Government, TTAG and Taxi Association do not agree on the issue and Goa is missing able leadership. Thanks to our MLA Mr. Nilesh Cabral who has taken the stand against taxi association, we are hearing for first time that issues related to tourism has at least been acknowledged. The Govt could easily threaten taxi association with opening up competition from Ola/Uber but Government is refusing to take any action while taxis keep looting tourists and locals. Even though public funds have been committed for taxi meter subsidy there is no justification to the public. Article 19 (1g) of Indian constitution gives right to occupation to Indian citizens and specifically prevents government from putting any restriction on a trade that is intended to make it lucrative for some other group. But Goans are fooled and denied their fundamental rights. Thanks to Mr. Savio Messias for stating that tourist should have the right to choose mode of transport just like Airline, Car rental, Hotel, etc. The need of local taxis is just covered with one statement that cabs are needed in villages, handicapped, youngsters, etc not just tourists. Interestingly, taxi association is complaining that people choose private 4-wheelers rentals, 2-Wheelers rentals, TTAG Tour operators, Private tour operators, Rent-a-car, Rent-a-bike and last option is taxi. And they are asking Govt to protect their business against competition from others. Technology has also taken a toll on their business as mobile phones with Google Maps provide directions so people can drive vehicles themselves. So what now ? Should Goa Govt ban use of Google Maps ? Ban bicycles ? Ban walking ? Their real issue seems to be - when Tourists choose other mobility options they lose their lucrative commissions in the drugs, prostitution, restaurant & hotel business. On another front, the Taxi petition is providing correct information to tourists to make a decision whether to select Goa as a Tourist hotspot. Some International reporters of Business Magazine have contacted us and discussed issue in detail, see article "A no-Goa at Asia’s tourist hotspots". Goa is clubbed together with Phuket and Bali. When people stay in hotels, whether it’s a three- or five-star establishment, Goa’s taxi mafia has made its own rules about how guests must use their taxis. Private vehicles are not allowed to pick you up at the hotels. If the Government doesn't take a decision on taxi, as the message spreads across, more and more tourists will abandon Goa as a destination and currently it's the first season after the petition was started 8 months ago. It makes perfect business sense for Uber/Ola/Mega/Meeru in their marketing efforts to get tourists to places where they operate. That means they will advertise to abandon Goa as a tourist hotspot. They can use the petition as for support. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo is supporting loot by Taxi Association at Thivim Railway Station (see below article). The government control is so much that when Taxigo service was started they had to submit a letter that they will not operate in coastal belt. We thank the Government for lifting moratorium on airport rent-a-cab services. Citizens for Change local team of Goans has tried a number of times to get appointment from Parrikar but there is no response. Parrikar has said "He's not interested in advice of Goans from US, UK,Canada. Locals should speak." This is a complete U-Turn from what he said in this interview: https://youtu.be/UCfU9UbbH4k This effectively means that Parrikar wants Goans living abroad to abandon their motherland. The dictator is trying to find excuses to avoid discussing the issue. Beginning 2018, we hope more local Goans will join Citizens for Change group in pursuing the issue with the Government as per CM's message. Everyone must propagate the message in tourism forums/groups/magazines so tourists are aware of various mafias who fleece customers in a Tourist state that can only survive on tourism business. We must find creative ways to get the business/commissions away from taxi drivers and make money from it. This requires the study of where the tourists spend their money and take it away from taxi drivers. For example provide discount coupons through travel agents/web sites. Provide discounts only in person, subject to availability. We are sure if creative minds put their thoughts together something can be worked out. Please provide ideas / send message to citizenforchange2017@gmail.com The entire summary of the Taxi Revolution is in this Youtube Playlist, please note this is a team work effort although name is shown as Mahesh Sardesai https://tinyurl.com/taxigoa Wishing everyone a Happy New Year ! SUPPORTING MEDIA: 11 Nov 2017 RANNMALEM: Tourist Taxis & Goa's Tourism https://youtu.be/ONYfvdYuJ_I 18 Dec 2017 A no-Goa at Asia’s tourist hotspots? http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/business/article/2124468/uber-no-goa-asias-tourist-hotspots 17 Dec 2017 Private taxis at Thivim station affecting our biz: Sirsaim cabbies https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/pvt-taxis-at-thivim-station-affecting-our-biz-sirsaim-cabbies/articleshow/62101286.cms 16 Dec 2017 Speed governor: Taxi owners meet South Goa MP https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/speed-governor-taxi-owners-meet-south-goa-mp/articleshow/62090473.cms 19 Dec 2017 Moratorium on rent-a-car services lifted https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa-News/Moratorium-on-rentacar-services-lifted/124226.html#.WjhxL6br-Hg.whatsapp 23 Dec 2017 Crackdown on private vehicles being used illegally as taxis http://www.navhindtimes.in/crackdown-on-private-vehicles-being-used-illegally-as-taxis/ 24 Dec 2017 Pre-paid taxi counter at Harbour a boon http://epaper.navhindtimes.in/NewsDetail.aspx?storyid=6714&date=2017-12-24&pageid=1 11 Dec 2017 Govt seeks 3 weeks time to finalise draft tender policy for digital meters https://youtu.be/zug9C2GO4G4 25 Nov 2017 South Goa Taxi Owners blame tour operators for low buainess https://youtu.be/8Z1AcOOxWKs 23 Nov 2017 NGTTOA Opposes Digital Meters, warn to strike https://youtu.be/Bij_YN3B0Sk 22 Nov 2017 CM verbally assures 90% subsidy for digital meters , NGTTOA demands in writing https://youtu.be/Lnl1raZyCBo