Smart Rides for Smart Travelers: Goa’s Taxi Fleet Embraces Apps

Goa’s taxi industry is changing fast, and technology is at the heart of it. These days, about one out of every three taxis in the state is available through an app. That’s a pretty big deal for a place where most people have always relied on flagging down a taxi or calling a local driver.

 

Here’s what’s happening and why it matters:

 

More Rides, More Choices: Out of Goa’s roughly 12,000 tourist taxis, close to 5,000 are now on app-based platforms. The main players are Goa Miles and Goa Taxi App.

 

Government Support: The state government is really pushing for more drivers to join these digital platforms. They want to make it easier for tourists to get around, keep prices fair, and help drivers earn a steady income.

 

Transparent and Reliable: With these apps, you can see your driver’s location, get an upfront price, and pay in different ways. There’s no haggling, and you know exactly what you’re getting.

 

Better for Drivers: Drivers who use these apps get more bookings, can work flexible hours, and are paid fairly. The government is also using some of the fees to run welfare programs for drivers and their families.

 

New Rules: The government just rolled out new guidelines for these platforms. The rules make sure drivers get paid in full, offer health insurance, and encourage more women to join the industry.

 

Some Pushback: Not everyone is happy about the change. Some local taxi unions are worried about losing business and are pushing back against these new platforms.

 

Tourists Love It: Visitors to Goa are using these apps more and more because they’re convenient, safe, and straightforward. It’s helping make Goa even more attractive as a tourist destination.

 

All in all, the move to app-based taxis is making it easier for everyone—drivers, locals, and tourists—to get around Goa.

 

Source Name: The Deccan Herald, CNBC TV18, HospiBuz