Panaji: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho told the Legislative Assembly that the his department has released the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 for public consultation, proposing a framework to introduce and regulate app-based taxi services while ensuring that the benefits of the sector remain with local taxi operators.
In a written reply tabled on the floor of the House on Wednesday, July 23 during ongoing monsoon session, Godinho said the draft guidelines aim to modernize the state’s taxi ecosystem through digital platforms, while safeguarding the interests of “Niz-Goenkars” (native Goans) involved in the trade.
The question was raised on the floor of the House by BJP MLA Kedar Naik.
Godinho said that under the proposed norms, only vehicles registered in Goa with valid taxi permits will be allowed to operate under aggregator platforms.
“Also, only drivers holding a Goa-issued Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge will be eligible to be onboarded by aggregators,” he said.
The guidelines propose that taxi drivers receive the full fare amount as notified by the government without any deductions or commissions by the platform. “Payments must be made within 72 hours, failing which aggregators will be liable to pay penal interest,” the minister said.
The draft policy also empowers local drivers by allowing them to operate on multiple platforms of their choosing, the minister said adding that this will ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices by aggregator companies.
Godinho said that the policy includes incentives for female owner-cum-drivers such as insurance reimbursement, vehicle subsidies, and fee waivers for aggregators whose fleets comprise a majority of women drivers.
Godinho said the proposed app-based system is intended to provide greater convenience and transparency to both locals and tourists by ensuring easy digital access to taxis through licensed platforms.
“These measures are aimed at striking a balance between modernizing the sector through digital innovation and protecting the economic interests of Goan taxi owners and drivers,” he said.
