We owe an update to everyone about this petition. GoaMiles taxi app was started in Aug 2018 due to our constant push and wanted to give some time to ensure that we have accomplished our objective, but travel & tourism were restricted after Covid struck, and then there were elections.
We appreciate that GoaMiles was able to withstand the constant harassment and criminal activities of the taxi mafia. Also GoaMiles was able to successfully run their operations when during Covid. Overall there has been positive feedback on GoaMiles taxi app from those who have used it and I want to personally confirm that I was able to successfully use the taxi app during my one month long stay in Goa. It was easier to get the taxi while in the city. Outside of the city, sometimes I was lucky to get it immediately or had to schedule it after few hours.
The GoaMiles taxi app is usable but there are some issues with the app that indicate poor coding and it appears that proper software testing has not been done. These issues seem to have been there for last 4 years since its launch - it is like Mandovi bridge has been inaugurated with potholes and it is just accepted as normal. For those interested the issue list is available here and we are still waiting for response from Goa Miles. Most basic thing like profile update is not working, refund cannot be initiated, the registration of app is flaky and deregisters, user is not informed if there is newer app update, Set Location via MAP is not working at all, Favourite locations cannot be updated/deleted (bad programmers), only 2 favourite locations are shown, Location search is inefficient, the PACKAGE option has no way to mark final trip endpoint. The two issues of profile update and refund issue has been reported to GoaMiles as per ConsumerComplaints and FacebookReviews and nothing has been done but app is still usable. It may be easier to communicate on their customer support number through WhatsApp than a phone call.
Most importantly GoaMiles has recently introduced a PACKAGE option with which you can book a 4Hr/40kms or 8Hr/80kms taxi and you select the multiple pickup/drop destinations. This is much better than hiring taxi at the stand or from known sources who are used to asking you which places you want to go and if you want to add more drop locations they would arbitrarily add a few hundred rupees extra. Also surprised to find they ask you which route to take, GoaMiles route is calculated and tracked by GoaMiles so driver doesn't take you for a ride. At the end of the trip there is a feedback.
I have spoken to the Chief Operating Officer of GoaMiles and sent him the issues list. Also I have spoken to the stakeholders - Tourism Ministry and as well as sent details to the Transport Ministry. The issue list will increase the awareness of the need of testing of the new GEL Goa taxi app yet to be launched on 5th Jan 2023. Hopefully this will increase competition of taxi app. I have also suggested to invite feedback from public and software geeks at least for a limited time with proper incentives as every bug fix will save cost in terms of support costs.
There is reluctance from some taxi drivers to join the Goa Taxi App and in this regard, people could help to change their mindset. If more local people know or learn how to use the taxi app instead of following old way of going to the taxi stand, these taxi drivers will be forced to subscribe to the taxi app. If one knows exactly how it works, may be able to advise their customers / tourists / friends & relatives. Taxi apps could provide a small percentage discount for registered user for first time. The App based rates are higher than Ola/Uber, but a taxi from Comba taxi stand to airport would be Rs1600, from GoaMiles taxi app would be half of that but have your alternate plan just in case.
The Goa Government was in discussion with Ola/Uber a few months ago. When we had met with Ola in 2018 they were reluctant to start Ola taxis in Goa as they suffered heavy losses after taxi mafia damaged their vehicles during Ola launch in 2014, they seem to be permanently closed to the idea of starting operations in Goa. Recently taxi mafia has stopped 100 American tourists from cruise ship to board the tour bus. So once again similar damage has been done and the ambitions tourism initiative is set back a few years. The issue is a few gangsters with multiple taxis want to keep owning these hundreds of taxis, want to post their own drivers at 3/5 start hotels and also collect union fees from taxis. In app based taxi system these ownerships would be exposed, app will allocate taxi at hotel and also the union fees would become redundant. Whatever is the reason, unless Goa Government gets to the root of the issue, the situation will not change and there could be many such setbacks in future including risk to the launch of new GEL taxi app. They have become so powerful that they hold the whole state to ransom every now and then. We have suggested various ways to tame the taxi mafia in our previous posts.
As another year comes to a close, we look back on what we achieved so far and we still have more work to do. With your support, we will continue pushing the government. If you have any ideas and suggestions please feel free to comment.
We wish you and your loved ones a joyous and warm holiday season, and a happy and prosperous New Year!
Cheers
GoaMiles Taxi App software issues
GoaMiles Consumer Complaints
GoaMiles Facebook Official Reviews