Q1: Director, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you share what motivated the creation of the Goa Taxi App and what gaps it was designed to address?
A:
The GoaTaxi app is not just a technological solution—it addresses critical concerns like safety, reliability, and trust among users. Many users felt that private players were profit-driven and lacked accountability. To bridge this gap, the government introduced a trusted, official platform that prioritizes local interests. Developed as part of Goa’s digital transformation initiative, the app enhances service delivery and improves the overall travel experience. It ensures transparent pricing, better driver availability, and enhanced passenger safety by unifying local drivers under one platform, enabling fair, secure, and reliable services for both residents and tourists across Goa.
Q2: How has the public response been since the app’s rollout? Are there any notable milestones or statistics you’d like to highlight?
A:
The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since its launch, the app has completed over 70,000 rides and onboarded more than 1,000 local drivers. Key milestones include setting up dedicated counters at major transit points like airports and railway stations. The platform benefits tourists by offering safe, transparent travel while simultaneously improving income and visibility for local drivers.
Q3: What are some of the key features that set the Goa Taxi App apart from other aggregator services?
A:
The GoaTaxi app adopts a Local Taxi First (LTF) approach, prioritizing local drivers over commercial interests. As a government-backed platform, it enforces fare transparency based on notified government rates. Key features include real-time tracking, Google Maps integration, an SOS button for emergencies, and multiple payment options. A unique element is that the convenience fee is reinvested into driver welfare, promoting economic empowerment. Unlike other platforms, drivers have full flexibility—they can use the app only when they wish, with no obligation for round-the-clock availability.
Q4: How does the Goa Taxi App contribute to Goa’s larger tourism goals?
A:
The app plays a key role in supporting Goa’s vision of becoming a premium tourism destination. By offering safe, transparent, and hassle-free transportation, it enhances tourist mobility. At the same time, it empowers local drivers with better earnings and dignity of work, fostering inclusive and sustainable tourism that benefits both travelers and the Goan community.
Q5: What’s next for the Goa Taxi App? Are there plans to expand its features or reach?
A:
We plan to onboard more drivers, introduce electric vehicle (EV) services, and establish additional booking counters at key locations. Looking ahead, the GoaTaxi app will be integrated into the state’s wider public transport system, offering a unified platform where users can book not just taxis, but buses and other transit options as well.
Q6: Is this app only focused on tourists? How can Goan locals benefit from it?
A:
While tourists are a key user group, the app also provides significant benefits to local residents. It modernizes the taxi booking process, allowing locals to request rides easily—whether from home, work, or elsewhere—without the need to personally know a driver or visit a taxi stand. It’s also helpful for families to book rides for elderly or unwell members. Given Goa’s increasing traffic and infrastructure challenges, the app offers a safer, more convenient option for everyday travel.
Q7: Can IT help address the issue of drivers not being allowed to take rides when moving between locations and the conflict between taxi operators?
A:
Absolutely. By using geo-fenced taxi hubs, we can restrict ride requests to drivers within specific local zones. This ensures fair distribution of fares, maintains local operator control, and helps avoid conflicts. However, taxi operators must proactively collaborate with us to implement such IT-based solutions. The technology is ready—we just need collective will to adopt it.
Q8: Finally, what message would you like to share with Goa’s visitors and residents about using the app?
A:
We encourage both visitors and locals to use the GoaTaxi app for safe, transparent, and seamless travel across the state. By choosing this platform, you’re supporting Goan drivers while contributing to a smarter, tech-enabled transport ecosystem. The app is more than a booking tool—it’s part of Goa’s larger vision of a modern, inclusive, and sustainable future. It provides dependable income for drivers, greater visibility, and a convenient transportation option backed by the government.
