Goa Taxi Unions Protest Draft Guidelines Regulating App-Based Transport Aggregators

Panaji, 29th May 2025: A wave of dissent has erupted among taxi unions across Goa following the state government’s recent release of draft guidelines aimed at regulating app-based transport aggregators. The unions claim the proposed framework will pave the way for private players to flood the local market, posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of traditional taxi drivers.

Published in the Official Gazette on 20th May, the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines of 2025 lay down comprehensive regulations for licensing, fare structures, and operational protocols for app-based taxi and bike taxi services. The public has 30 days from the date of publication to raise objections or submit suggestions to the transport department.

Among the key provisions, the guidelines mandate that only drivers possessing a valid Private Service Vehicle (PSV) badge be allowed to register with aggregators. Importantly, drivers must not be discouraged from working with multiple platforms. The policy also emphasises welfare, requiring aggregators to offer drivers a health insurance plan of at least Rs 10 lakh, with a 5% annual increment. For female drivers, the coverage must extend to their children and parents.

Furthermore, the regulations compel aggregators to guarantee that drivers receive the full fare amount as notified by the government, without any deductions. Payouts to vehicle owners must be processed within 72 hours of completing a ride.

To incentivise inclusivity and safety, the draft includes benefits such as a full waiver on renewal fees if at least 20% of the aggregator’s fleet comprises female drivers. Vehicle owners whose women-driven cars complete over 500 trips annually will also be eligible for up to Rs 30,000 in insurance reimbursement.

Strict penalties have also been outlined; unlicensed operations or breaches of license conditions can attract fines of up to Rs 50 lakh, while fare regulation violations may incur a penalty of Rs 5 lakh per offence.

The move comes after years of complaints from tourists about exorbitant and inconsistent taxi fares in Goa. Many have welcomed the idea of regulated, app-based services for greater transparency and affordability. However, local taxi operators have voiced fierce opposition.

Taxi unions argue that the introduction of national or international transport aggregators could overwhelm the local market and invite drivers from other states, jeopardising jobs for native Goan drivers. They contend that the model suits metropolitan cities with advanced infrastructure and higher population density, not a small coastal state like Goa, where vehicle ownership is already high and tourist demand fluctuates seasonally.

“App-based operators will bring in a flood of vehicles, and eventually, Goan drivers will be sidelined,” said Yogesh Govekar of the All Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association. “This is about our survival. We will take to the streets in protest.”

Sunil Naik, President of the North and South Goa Taxi Owners Association, echoed similar sentiments. “These rules are vague and open the doors to outsiders. We’ve built our businesses from scratch. We’re not prepared to hand them over to large corporations.”

Goa first experimented with regulated app-based transport in 2018 through GoaMiles, a state-backed initiative. However, the new guidelines are seen as an effort to further formalise and expand the ecosystem for digital ride-hailing services.

A senior official from the transport department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the guidelines are a step towards balancing modern transport solutions with local interests. “Our goal is to improve accessibility for both tourists and locals while ensuring protections for Goan drivers. We will consider all public feedback before finalising the rules.”

Ride-hailing giant Uber, which has long eyed Goa as a strategic location, issued a statement welcoming the guidelines. “Goa’s residents and visitors deserve more mobility options. These rules allow platforms like Uber to serve that demand more responsibly. We will review the draft in detail and work with all stakeholders to build a sustainable, inclusive model,” said a company spokesperson.

With tensions mounting, the coming weeks are likely to see intensified debates and possible protests, as Goa walks a fine line between technological progress and preserving traditional livelihoods.