As taxi drivers in Goa drum up support for their battle against the cab aggregator guidelines rolled out by the Department of Transport, resentment against their style of functioning is gaining ground, with tourists — foreigners as well as domestic — spouting their discontent.
"Some of them really take advantage of the system and make things difficult for Goa Miles drivers. I’ve seen it myself. Prices aren’t always shown clearly on the dashboard, and fares can get quite unreasonable, especially when the roads are slow. It just doesn’t feel fair,” says Cee from the UK, a frequent visitor to Goa.
Taxi drivers have long been key stakeholders in the industry, and early experiences were largely positive. However, negative incidents appear to be rising, prompting the government to step in with new aggregator guidelines aimed at improving regulation and safety.
Collin, another foreign tourist who has experienced both the good and the bad sides of Goa’s taxi services, says the shift in drivers' attitudes has been so discouraging, he’s decided not to return.
Collin, another foreign tourist who has experienced both the good and the bad sides of Goa’s taxi services, says the shift in drivers' attitudes has been so discouraging, he’s decided not to return.
“There are definitely some good taxi drivers, but many seem to overcharge and show a poor attitude towards tourists. It’s gotten to a point where I feel so disappointed,” says Collin.
Taxi drivers are up in arms, fearing that the government's proposed cab aggregator guidelines will pave the way for players like Uber and Ola, further threatening their livelihoods, even as Goa Miles is already in operation.
Some such private aggregators have been operating with the taxi drivers rising in protests and incidents reported of drivers of private players being assaulted, and at times, tourists caught in the crossfire on the way to the airport.
“They think they can charge out-of-State Indians a silly price. The other Indians will not be ripped off,” says Karen, who claims to be a victim of taxi drivers.
Tourists who visit Goa frequently and stay for extended periods often become adept at using local transport. “Just don’t use them,” reasons Audrey. “The buses are a great experience. Honestly, the taxi drivers have brought this situation upon themselves by being inflexible and unwilling to adapt,” she believes.
“They (app-based taxi services) wont liquidate the locals, if the locals charge a fair price for the fare. If they don’t, then they will be liquidated and will have no one to blame but themselves. Bullying and ripping off tourists at any time leaves a bad taste in the tourists' mouth,” confesses Reardon, on being informed of the strife amongst local taxi drivers.
The reputation of taxi drivers has been pricking the tourism industry for quite a while and none of the stakeholders want to step in openly to quell the rot, leaving the tourists at the receiving end.
Hall believes that one of the key issues affecting Goa’s tourism experience is the attitude of some taxi drivers. “There’s often a disregard for meters, fair pricing, and healthy competition. Goa Miles became popular for a reason. I do know there are drivers who are genuinely helpful and go the extra mile. But unfortunately, they seem to be the exception, not the rule,” Hall says.
The reputation of taxi drivers has been pricking the tourism industry for quite a while.
“Ultimately, one or two things will happen,” he predicts. “The taxi drivers get their way, and tourism in Goa dies, or the rest of the Goa business and locals stand up to them to protect their own business.”
This is a chilling forecast from a tourist who loves Goa and has seen the protest of the taxi drivers, the disgust of the tourists and the apathy of the government. It is clear that farsighted action is the way out if tourism tills should continue to jingle.