Finally the Citizens for Change group had our first meeting with Chief Minister and we resubmitted the taxi petition for Goa Taxi Revolution with all updates, signatures and comments:
We, like minded individuals, met with the Hon. Chief minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in wake of the taxi issue plaguing the state.
We are pleased to note that we had a fruitful discussion with him and submitted to him, a list of suggestions, which in our opinion, can regularise and streamline the sector.
Our aim is to put in place a system, that will be beneficial to the state, it's residents - us, tourists and our taxicar brothers too.
Below is a summary of the suggestions submitted
1)While we appreciate that any Indian can run a legitimate business in Goa, to protect the interests of the indigenous Goan, we request the government to put in mechanisms to ensure preference and participation by local Goans, this may be done by reconsidering year limit in domicile criteria or giving preference to Goans while issuing permit(s). Goan interest is paramount
(To this the Hon. CM has given an assurance that a 15 year residence certificate will be a MUST to join Goa miles.)
2) additional aggregators to be invited to bring in healthy competition
(Hon.CM agrees with the same and govt is open to more app based aggregators )
3)ensure zoning followed by taxi unions is discouraged and action against errant drivers is a must
4)reconsider return fare which unnecessarily increases the fare by about 35% plus, a hindrance to liberal use of taxi services.
5)taxis must have GPRS digital taxi meters which ensures accountability
(Hon HC has given a favourable decision in the same)
6) exemplary punishment to be meted out to law breakers and those that instigate disruption of normal life or incite violence
(Hon.CM has agreed in full measure)
7) Aggregators must be available round the clock to provide service specially at airports and railway stations.
8) Surge pricing may be charged via app during peak hours/to destinations where service is poor
9)Aggregator cabs must ensure they fulfill quota of minimum number of rides. That will also ensure that the aggregator fulfill their part of providing clientele to taxis
10)Surge taxi unions to declare a helpline number to register complaints against misbehaving drivers/rash driving
11)Minimum radius of base fare should be reduced to encourage users to avail of taxi services for shorter distances and more affordable within city limits.
12)Reconsider quantum of permits issued and keep them on a need basis
13) An orientation program should be made mandatory for all taxi drivers in order to avail a taxi permit. This must include soft skills, mannerisms and professional ethics. It should be repeated everytime the law is broken.
14)Taxi drivers face unethical competition from persons renting out private vehicles at cheaper rates, hence eating into legitimate taxi business, crack down on such persons
(Hon.CM has assured the same.)
15)Make strict enforcement of laws against drunken driving for the general public so that people use taxis on their way back home. Affordability of taxis will ensure people use taxis instead of their own cars.
16)Correct categorization of taxis - B/Y taxis ideally for point to point taxi service, ideal for app based system, tourist taxis for tourists.
17) Taxi stand only for B/Y taxis. Taxis will follow a queue system. TT to be parked at registered address - hotels/tour operator/residence.
18)Conduct impartial survey of GoaMiles every month for at least 6 months. Ensure preparedness of the app based system to factor in increased enrollment.
We are hopeful that our CM will live up to our expectations
Please find statement from our new dynamic Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant.
https://youtu.be/FiuGAuTHdXg
Please download to share on Whatsapp and Messenger
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XROgpHbv9ePI_fvWAgJJz8JWDKxkuoMW/view?usp=sharing
2 Jul 2019 There should be no GoaMiles at railway stations, hotels: Michael Lobo
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/there-should-be-no-goamiles-at-railway-stations-hotels-lobo/articleshow/70032413.cms?from=mdr
8 Jul 2019 In Goa 24 x 7 poll
https://www.facebook.com/InGoa24x7/posts/3162388970445525
8 Jul 2019 ENTIRE CABINET STRONGLY WITH APP BASED TAXI SERVICES: MAUVIN
https://youtu.be/jDAmw8sivqI
8 Jul 2019 Prudent Media | Head On With Mauvin Godinho
https://youtu.be/9oqa6_4Ar3I
5 Jul 2019 DIGITAL METERS TO BE INSTALLED IN ALL TOURST TAXIS FROM AUG 1: GOVERNMENT TO HC
https://youtu.be/NX249xQpU_U
4 Jul 2019 Upping the ante, tourist taxi owners give 7 days to govt
http://www.navhindtimes.in/upping-the-ante-tourist-taxi-owners-give-7-days-to-govt/
3 Jul 2019 Travel body meets transport min on taxi meters
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/travel-body-meets-transport-min-on-taxi-meters/articleshow/70064791.cms
4 Jul 2019 GoaMiles to continue using only state-registered cars
https://m.timesofindia.com/city/goa/goamiles-to-continue-using-only-state-registered-cars/articleshow/70064808.cms
30 Jun 2019 Cabbies threaten 3-day strike if GoaMiles not discontinued
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/cabbies-threaten-3-day-strike-if-goamiles-not-discontinued/articleshow/70016248.cms?from=mdr
29 Jun 2019 Michael Lobo urges taxi owners to join government in developing new app
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/michael-lobo-urges-taxi-owners-to-join-government-in-developing-new-app/articleshow/69998791.cms
28 Jun 2019 Goa CM seeks report over more Goans entering drug trade
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/goa-cm-seeks-report-over-more-goans-entering-drug-trade/articleshow/69998187.cms
27 Jun 2019 Government likely to allow new app-based taxi services
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/govt-likely-to-allow-new-app-based-taxi-services/articleshow/69966212.cms
26 Jun 2019 Private bus operators say business hit, want KTC bus passes scrapped
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/private-bus-operators-say-biz-hit-want-ktc-bus-passes-scrapped/articleshow/69950220.cms
25 Jun 2019 Enter into dialogue for a smooth taxi ride
https://www.heraldgoa.in/Edit/Editorial/Enter-into-dialogue-for-a-smooth-taxi-ride/147921.html