Goa app-based cab service ok with Ola, Uber

Panaji, June 8 (IANS) Goa's only app-based cab service GoaMiles, which is currently facing a backlash from associations of privately-owned taxis, has welcomed pan-India cab aggregating services like Ola and Uber to the coastal state, stating that such technology-based initiatives would encourage competition and help to provide good service to the customers.

"GoaMiles is not opposing Ola or Uber. That is the decision of the government at the end of the day. We are very comfortable with that," Hemant Prabhu Chodnekar, Operations Manager of GoaMiles told IANS on Saturday.

"We support technology, we believe in technology," Chodnekar also said, when asked if GoaMiles would welcome setting up of Ola and Uber taxi services in Goa.

Ola taxi services were introduced in Goa in 2014 but were soon stopped by the state Transport Department following protests by local taxi operators.

Goa's private taxi associations have been at loggerheads with GoaMiles, accusing the latter of encroaching on their livelihood.

In the last one year, more than a dozen FIRs have been filed by GoaMiles taxi drivers, accusing private taxi operators of assault and giving threats.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also said that any further violence from the private taxi operators would result in strict action by the Goa government.

Several attempts by the state government to install and implement a fare meter system have failed, even as members of taxi lobby have also attacked tour coach buses ferrying foreign tourists, accusing tour operators of depriving them of business.

The state also attracts more than seven million domestic tourists every year, who often face hardship due to overpriced and irregular public transports system.