Resending as there was issue in sending email from change.org The full update is as per link below.
https://www.change.org/p/chief-minister-of-goa-support-goa-taxi-revolution/u/33628916
Please find below part of the update:
Goa Taxi Revolution applauds the unveiling of the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 by the Government of Goa’s Transport Department, a regulatory framework for app-based taxis, and include licensing fee, tariffs, and incentives.
TAXI APP:
Currently, Goa lacks a well-functioning and reliable Taxi App. Existing services like GoaMiles are subpar, and the GoaTaxiApp is much worse. In today’s digital age, the true Ambassadors of a tourist destination are not just the taxi drivers but more importantly the Digital Taxi App platforms that shape visitors' experiences. A professional and seamless taxi service app can significantly enhance Goa’s image and attract a broader and higher-quality tourist demographic.
Since the launch of GoaMiles in August 2018, the service has consistently struggled with reliability and usability but major software issues remain unresolved based on our experience:
• In our last update (Dec 2022) we highlighted 17 specific issues with GoaMiles and have followed up 8 times with Mr. Hemant Prabhu Chodnekar on WhatsApp. Each time, we received verbal assurances of a follow-up, but no reply. It appears the team is either unable to resolve these issues or has abandoned attempts to do so. Unfortunately, GoaTaxiApp also has turned out to be even more problematic as it cannot be downloaded on iPhones.
• GoaMiles drivers are unable to respond to users with international mobile numbers, resulting in confusion and frustration for international tourists.
• Live tracking of GoaMiles taxis fails outside city areas. There have been multiple recent incidents where passengers had to send someone in person to look for the cab.
Both taxi apps, in their current state, fail to meet the basic standards expected from any modern ride-hailing platform. We urge the Government of Goa to commission an independent and professional evaluation of both GoaMiles and the GoaTaxiApp.
TOURISM:
In today's world of Artificial Intelligence Tourists expect transparent, app-based pricing and availability. The perception of being overcharged or manipulated by local taxi monopolies severely damages sentiment. Platforms like Google Travel, TripAdvisor, and even AI chatbots factor this negative sentiment into their suggestions — making destinations like Sri Lanka, Thailand, or Bali more attractive.
You cannot fool Artificial intelligence in believing that Tourists are avoiding Goa because of cleanliness, AI learns from data. It reads the reviews, social media posts, pricing data, and even travel forums to form an opinion.
Goa must Leverage AI to Analyze Sentiment in Real Time. Build or integrate an AI dashboard that tracks global sentiment trends about Goa.
As a Tourist destination Goa could develop a Tour Guide cum Taxi service program by training Goan youth as certified driver-guides with cultural and historical knowledge.
HISTORY:
Local taxi associations were given a chance 8 years ago to create their own app-based system. This was before the government even spent public money on physical taxi meters. After 8 years of missed opportunities, it is time to learn that Taxi App cannot be created by any local taxi group that too with government assistance.
Goa cannot afford to squander another 8 years under the control of a few vested interests. Transparent, technology-driven mobility is essential for the state's tourism, economy, and quality of life. It's time to stop appeasing the taxi mafia and start protecting Goa’s broader public interest.
Goa’s transport ecosystem is at a critical juncture. The only sustainable solution is one where the consumer benefits from competition, free market pricing, and an end to monopolistic practices. In 2018, the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar recognized the seriousness of the issue and brought in the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Unfortunately, after Mr. Parrikar’s untimely demise, the CCI findings were never published or acted upon.
This issue is not only about tourists — it's about the quality of life of everyday Goans. Consider the burden on a typical family: dropping and picking up one’s wife or children multiple times a week, coordinating around one another’s schedules, and sitting in and creating unnecessary traffic. All of this stems from the lack of an efficient, scalable, and affordable public transport alternative — a vacuum intentionally preserved by a small group of entrenched interests of Taxi Mafia Goons.
It’s time for Goans to speak up for themselves. Please find the document which contains the entire history of taxi issue in Goa for last 11 years. The purpose of this document is to assist stakeholders, policymakers, citizens and media reporters for talking points, making informed decisions, advocating for better mobility solutions, and ensuring proper implementation of Transport Aggregators.
Hopefully the above will help Dr Pramod Sawant to take a decision in favor of the general public. Any questions regarding media debates participation, please send message to Goataxirevolution@gmail.com
DOCUMENTS:
Support_GOA_TAXI_REVOLUTION_PetitionCoverLetterAndUpdatesJun2025.pdf <== 11 years history of Taxi struggle in Goa
GoaMiles Taxi App software issues (Dec 2022)