Goa, May 16 -- Goa's traditional taxi operators have voiced strong opposition to app-based taxi services, urging the government to regulate these platforms to protect their livelihoods and preserve the identity of the local taxi community. They allege unfair competition, claiming that app-based services offer fares up to 30% lower than official rates, and point to operational challenges such as poor mobile network coverage in parts of Goa. The operators also criticise successive governments for failing to adequately consult them while promoting app-based aggregators.

In response, the Goa government supports regulating app-based taxis through a draft policy aimed at establishing uniform fares and encouraging digitisation. The government-b...