Taxi Owners Push Back Against Goa's New Transport Guidelines*

*In a recent meeting with the Director of Transport, taxi owners expressed strong opposition to the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025. The guidelines aim to regulate app-based taxi services, but owners argue that they will harm their businesses.¹One of the main points of contention is the proposed uniform rate structure, which the Department of Transport (DoT) suggests will balance affordability for passengers with fair earnings for drivers. However, taxi owners are skeptical about the impact of these regulations on their livelihoods.Despite the disagreements, the discussion between taxi owners and the DoT was described as "healthy," indicating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. The meeting is seen as a positive step towards finding a mutually beneficial solution.The opposition to app-based taxi services is not new in Goa. As early as 2018, taxi operators began protesting against privately operated taxi service apps like GoaMiles. The state government's efforts to regulate the industry have been ongoing, with the launch of the 'Goa Taxi' app, a joint initiative of the Tourism and Transport Department.