Firm on decision government asks taxis to join or start app

Notwithstanding the taxi operators’ protest, the State government has stood firm on its decision that tourist taxis should either register with GoaMiles or develop their own app-based service. 
Speaking to media persons on the strike, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said he has sought a report from police and transport department. “I request taxi operators to withdraw their strike and have talks with the government. In the interest of tourism, tourists and taxi operators, we are firm that they should either join GoaMiles or develop their own app, which will be supported and promoted by the government,” Sawant said. 
He said the government through Info Tech Corporation Limited will help the taxi operators to start their own app, which they can use it for providing the service. “We have not done any injustice. We have to move ahead with technology. We have even suggested that if they don’t want GoaMiles, then have your own app,” Chief Minister said. Sawant said that taxi operators themselves will lose business by going on an unwarranted strike. 
Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said taxi operators by going on strike are setting a wrong precedent and sending the wrong message at national and international level. “It is my humble request to them not to do this. The strike will only affect their business and their name in the tourism sector,” he said. 
 
Ajgaonkar said that holding strikes will not solve the problem but worsen it. “Tourist taxis are already getting a bad name for overcharging. With this, they have created more problems for them,” he said adding, “App-based taxi service is the need of the hour and it is here to stay.” 

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