Goa known worldwide for bad taxi service: Ajgaonkar

Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar Thursday said the traditional tourist taxi lobby has created a bad impression about the state across the world.

The minister said this during Zero Hour in the state Assembly while responding to NCP member Churchill Alemao's demand that 'Goa Miles' cabs not be allowed to have a taxi stand in the coastal belt.

Alemao claimed that 'Goa Miles', an app-based taxi service supported by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, was affecting the business of traditional tourist taxi operators.

Ajgaonkar then said the state's image has been dented by the behaviour and tariffs of these traditional tourist taxi operators.

"Goa has been known worldwide for its bad taxi service. Even Goans don't prefer to hire these taxis due to the unaffordable prices that they are charging," he said.

The minister told the House that the state government was fully supporting 'Goa Miles'.

"These app-based taxis offer better tariffs to customers, who get a clarity on how much they will be charged for the drop facility," he said.

The traditional tourist taxi operators can join the app-based service, which will also increase their monthly income, he said.