Taxi Turf War: Goa CM Says ‘No’ To Ola And Uber Amid Protests From Local Unions

Despite the recent release of the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has made it clear that app-based transport aggregators Ola and Uber will not be allowed to operate in the state.

His announcement comes in response to mounting concerns from local taxi operators and legislators from the coastal belt, who have urged the government to pause the rollout of the new policy until a comprehensive and locally supportive taxi framework is developed, reported The Times of India.

During a meeting with MLAs Michael Lobo and Jit Arolkar, along with representatives from taxi unions, Sawant addressed public concerns about the implications of the draft guidelines.

“There should be no confusion among the people as it is just a guideline for aggregators. Ola and Uber will not come here. We will take all stakeholders, including hotels, taxis and MLAs, into confidence to put a system in place. We will resolve this issue. All should remain calm,” he stated, offering reassurance that the draft was a starting point, not a final decision, reported Business Standard.

Stakeholders Seek Uniform Fares and Local Safeguards

Taxi unions fear that the policy could pave the way for large app-based companies to disrupt the existing transport ecosystem. The draft policy outlines licensing frameworks, fare regulations, and incentive models for aggregators. In response, several MLAs have requested the government to withhold the policy’s implementation, arguing that local drivers’ livelihoods could be jeopardised without clear protections.

Jit Arolkar, after discussions with the Chief Minister, highlighted that standardising fares across the state is a key focus. “During the meeting, it was decided to have equal taxi fares across the state,” he said.

Michael Lobo echoed this sentiment, underlining the importance of local ownership and transparency in fare structures. “We have demanded that the guidelines should be kept in abeyance. We want taxi operators’ issues to be addressed systematically. There should be no bargaining while hiring a taxi. Tourists should leave with good memories. Customers should know the exact rate. We want the taxi business to remain with locals only,” he told the media.

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Taxi Unions Lobby for Political Support

Since the draft rules were released for public consultation, taxi unions have launched a campaign to meet MLAs across Goa, seeking their support to resist what they see as an impending threat from external aggregators. Their main concern is that allowing platforms like Ola and Uber could permanently alter the dynamics of Goa’s transport sector.

While the government has opened the floor to feedback, officials have stressed that no decision will be finalised without widespread consensus. All key stakeholders—including taxi drivers, legislators, hoteliers, and the general public—will be consulted before moving forward with any new transport regulation.

The situation continues to evolve, but for now, the Goa government has drawn a firm line: app-based taxi giants are not welcome, and the local taxi business will remain in the hands of Goans.

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