Goa, June 3 -- Captain Viriato Fernandes, Member of Parliament from South Goa, has sharply criticized the government's recent move to mandate local taxi operators to join transport aggregator apps, calling it a "scam." He argued that such policies threaten the autonomy and livelihoods of Goan taxi drivers, whom he described as "vital stakeholders and ambassadors of Goan tourism."

Fernandes highlighted the crucial role taxi operators play in shaping tourists' experiences, noting, "Our taxi operators are more than just drivers-they are the first point of contact for most visitors and act as informal guides and ambassadors for Goa." He warned that forcing operators onto aggregator platforms without proper consultation risks damaging the tra...