The short answer is no!
In Goa, taxis have long been operated by trade unions. They determine where a driver can and cannot drive and generally charge slightly higher prices. People attempted to gradually integrate Ola and Uber in 2014, but after a lot of protests and the burning of Uber vehicles, Ola and Uber decided to withdraw.
Both tourists and residents of the state are aware that taxi fares in Goa vary greatly. Customers must pay for both ways even if they only wish to go in one direction.
There are roughly 14,300 tourist taxis available right now. All of them are privately held and managed by regional taxi unions.
There are too many drivers chasing too few tourists each year because too many permits are issued. The kinds of visitors to Goa have evolved in recent years. While the number of domestic and East European tourists has increased, the number of wealthy West European tourists has decreased.
The state’s transport department set taxi fares in 2014 at ₹72–₹146 per km for Muv/Suv cars and Rs 14–Rs 22 per km for small cars. However, even for one-way trips, taxis charge round-trip fees, which are not included in these rates. For instance, a 26-kilometer ride from Dabolim airport to the capital, Panaji, costs Rs 850 rather than Rs 400–Rs 550. Similarly, it costs Rs 1,100-1,500 to travel 38 km from Calangute, a popular tourist destination, to Dabolim airport.
The Goa Miles Program
The Goa government launched the Goa Miles program in response to the rising cost of taxi fares. The objective was to offer a dependable and reasonably priced substitute for the nearby taxi services. However, Goa Miles drivers’ income was disrupted when traditional taxi owners began to harass and interfere with their business. As a result, the government’s attempts to upgrade the transportation infrastructure were impeded.
Challenges in Presenting Ola and Uber
The Goa government contemplated implementing Ola and Uber services in the state after realizing the need for a solution. Unfortunately, there were many obstacles in the way of this endeavor. Due largely to the opinions of the local populace and the influence of the local taxi owners, every attempt to introduce Ola or Uber to Goa was severely disrupted. The government had to make concessions to the current taxi operators and give the community’s concerns top priority.
In order to prevent these individuals from raising prices and charging exorbitant fees, these taxis have banded together to shut them out entirely. The best option is to rent a car in Goa if you are traveling there for official business, with family, or with friends. It’s easy and reasonably priced to rent a self-drive car in Goa. Car rent Goa is quite easy, and since you have the freedom to go wherever you want, it will make your trip unforgettable.
