[jono213]

Originally Posted by am1m

How a group of taxi operators supported by (and in turn supporting) local politicians can hold the entire tourism sector of a state like Goa hostage to their whims is going to be a case study someday for tourism-study/degree courses.

Completely agree, IMHO Goa nowadays is severely overrated, the taxi mafia as you mentioned, even the beaches are completely overrun with too many people and the pollution they bring along with them, now's the time to go exploring for better locations

[neerajku]

I have been to Goa at least every year for the last ten years and have stayed at all kinds of places. It has become expensive year after year, Cabs, hotels. Many fancy eateries have opened up and they charge a bomb.

Yes Cabs work like a mafia in Goa but where in India they don’t? Yes they are more expensive than other places but they also get lot of tourists, more well heeled tourists than anywhere else and also hordes of others from all income levels. Goa is the ultimate cool these days.
But remember nothing will come closer to cab fares what you pay in JnK.
We must also not forget that Goa has smaller tourist season like good hill stations. And they depend on income from these 5-6 months.
Yes there should be more competition and app based cab services, also buses. Only then this will come down. Government and Bureaucrats are in cahoots and run their own cabs on rent.
I think there will be some time before we see any semblance of order.
Personally I prefer coastal TN, Kerala and Karnataka now. Much cheaper, less crowded and far more fun and super food. Gujarat could also have been but no liquor, hence out! :-)

[am1m]

Originally Posted by Agarwaka

Had the option of spending 10 days over the new year's and a stay in KL & Bali (Hilton, Hyatt) was reasonably cheaper than options at similar hotels in Goa (including airfare).

Yep, my similar eye-opening moment was when I spent a week at Railay, the value for money was incredible. Smaller than most popular Goa beaches, gets as many visitors, but so, so, very much cleaner and felt so much more like a family-friendly tourist destination.

Originally Posted by richie4u

Being from the sunny state of Goa itself, I am terribly ashamed of our public transportation system and what's even more shameful is that we call ourselves a tourist friendly state.

It affects the local Goans too I'm sure, this lack of public transport options. The Madgao-Panaji run has become somewhat better with the new electric and ac buses that have some good frequency. But still not easy for someone from Canacona to commute to Panaji or Verna to work, unless they have their own vehicle.

I don't agree that any state should cater only to tourists, only focus on making sure the tourists have a great experience. A state should ensure that good facilities exist for all in the state, the tourists can just leverage that.

Originally Posted by richie4u

Secondly, for those who wish to travel to the quieter area of Goa please book tickets to Dabolim Airport,

Honestly, I don't see Dabolim continuing to function for much longer as a passenger airport. I'm not sure it makes sense for airlines to continue operating expenses at 2 airports that close to each other. And I guess the Indian Navy would push for exclusive access to what is essentially a defence airport. I know the government has announced that Dabolim will continue to function, but I think that it's just to forestall any protests. I'm guessing there will be no obvious shutdown announcement, but gradually commercial flight options to/out of Dabolim will just become lesser and considerably more expensive, till it stops becoming a viable option.

[Mortis]

I had visited Goa during the end of December after 9 years. It definitely didn't feel the same at all. It's become extremely heavily commercialized and it's hard to find the old school eateries serving good Goanese food, all i saw was millions of Punjabi dhabas and Jain thaali joints with a few continental eateries thrown in for good measure.

Luckily we landed at GOI and the cab fare was a reasonable-ish Rs 1800 to and from the Anjuna area. While we were there we rented a Swift to get around.

[phamilyman]

Originally Posted by richie4u

Goa does have a taxi service which is crude but similar to the OLA and Uber services we call it "Goa Miles" the app is available on your respective app store. I sincerely suggest you use the same when you land in Goa. It isn't exactly cheaper but much better then getting exorbitantly fleeced so much where'd you wish you never came here again.

It is thoughtful but it didn't work 7 of the 8 times I needed it to. In the end, 15 min desi delhi jugaad worked much better.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by phamilyman

It is thoughtful but it didn't work 7 of the 8 times I needed it to.

Yup, I think it works ok in Panaji, not sure though. But in several parts of Goa, it's pretty tough to book through this app. Big reason is the local taxi guys gang up and don't allow Goa Miles cabs in "their" area. (Happens in some areas of Bangalore too, auto guys won't allow the one odd auto guy who wants to work sincerely, to pick up fares there.)

A local politician was even involved in assaulting a GoaMiles cabbie, in support of the local taxi unions! (And this was the MLA of that area, at that time- shows the roots and the extent of the issue.)

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/69615585.cms

[ashkamath]

As a, Goan resident, I fully endorse the views expressed by many about the atrocious taxi fares here.

The taxi fare issue is one of the never ending issue pertaining to Goa. It's relevant to realize that Goan residents are also at the receiving end in this matter as much or even more than the tourists due to an almost non existent / extremely poor public transport system.

Everytime I visit Bengaluru, Mumbai or any other city, I generally have a better & affordable local travel experience with app based taxis such as Ola/Uber. I always cringe when I return to Goa and rant about this taxi issue with my friends. It's a regular subject of discussion on Goa specific social media groups and our personal meetings. And now Mopa has certainly exacerbated the issue.

Mopa international airport is at the Northern end of Goa ( a few kms from Maharashtra border) and is around 100 Kms from Palolem / Canacona at South which is close to Karnataka border. So technically one would traverse the entire length of Goa to reach a resort/hotel at Palolem / residence at Canacona from Mopa. Just imagine that you as a tourist, have to travel the entire length of a state to reach your destination. So the location of new international airport was contested by locals since many years. Lot of agitation have taken place but to no avail. A lot of Politicians have purchased large swathes of land at very cheap prices in this belt and they wouldn't let go a bumper harvest. So there's a section of people who are clearly benefited largely even before the airport was open.

The airport taxis (to Dabolim)were expensive earlier and will continue to become more expensive in future due to the added distance of Mopa Airport to South Goa. There's no second thoughts about it. The local taxi association has always opposed app based taxis and there is no change on their stand. Mopa international airport is a privately built and operated airport ( by GMR) and thats going to cost more to travellers with increased user development fee etc. So the whole air travel to Goa budget for tourists will increase considerably. That's inevitable.

Even though the Chief Minister reiterates that Dabolim airport will continue to operate, any person with an iota of brain can understand that two airports in close vicinity cannot operate profitably. Mopa is a privately operated airport. They would do everything to maximize their income and that means getting all Goa bound flights to land at Mopa. Again connectivity is an issue, what if someone lands from a domestic flight at Dabolim and wants to connect to another domestic/international flight at Mopa or vice versa. Even the airlines will prefer Mopa due to better services (overnight parking etc). So Dabolim for all practical reasons will cease to be a domestic/ international airport in coming days. It may be used for VVIP flights only.

I remember in Bengaluru when the new KIAL was opened, the political class reiterated that HAL airport will continue operation. Then we know what happened. The same fate awaits Dabolim.

Now, the taxi fare issue. The Govt is mulling Blue & White airport taxis for Mopa. The local pernem people may get priority and we may see these blue & white airport taxis soon. Govt is already running AC buses from Mopa to many cities but last mile connectivity still remains a big headache and is not addressed.

For solo and couple tourists, the Govt could promote Taxi pooling. May be EV taxis could bring the fare down as running EV taxis are less expensive than ICE taxis. Multiple EV charging stations at regular distances should be the focus of Govt. It's basically thinking ahead and getting ready for future. But for that we need visionary leadership. All we now have is business men doing business with state assembly as their office.

As residents, we have no option but have our own vehicle. Every Goan household has multiple vehicles and thats adding to the burgeoning traffic. If there's an affordable public transport system ( App based cabs such as Ola/uber) I would never ever ride/drive my vehicle. There are many locals who endorse my thoughts. But unfortunately Taxis are aiming only tourists and the locals are not on their mind. Of course, now the taxis say " Oh why would locals use Taxi, everyone owns a vehicle " But they don't realize that the expensive taxi fares pushed the locals to have their own vehicles. Anyways it's a lost cause now.

My suggestion to tourists would be -
1. Drive down to Goa in your own vehicle if possible. That's the best option.
2. Take a train to Goa. They are comfy and good. Their service has improved vastly.
3. Get in touch (keep in touch) with your friendly (affordable) taxi driver who was good with you during your last trip. Ask your friends for such recommendations. There are many good taxi drivers too who are helpful and lighter on pocket.
4. Do your research thoroughly. If you are staying at a resort/ hotel, ask them if they can provide an airport pickup/ drop facility.
5. Rent a car/scooter ( Self drive/ride) as soon as you land. There are many rent a car services that will handover the car/scooter at airport (Don't know if it's there in Mopa, but it's in Dabolim as Vasco town is a couple of kms away and self drive / ride rental service providers are there in the town. Mopa is quite far from any major town in Goa. So I am not sure if this facility is available there as of now.
6. Bring your own car and rent a driver ( for Rs 500 per day ). So you don't have to worry about local sight seeing routes and parking etc. Parking is a big headache in towns. So having a local driver helps.
7. South Goa is connected well with train (Madgao and Canacona). So think of using train.
8. South Goa will be cheaper henceforth ( even earlier it was cheaper than North Goa in terms of hotel room tariffs etc). It's going to be more cheaper as business are moving towards Mopa and in its surrounding and North Goa in general. So South Goa will be more affordable and peaceful.

To conclude, the Taxi fares won't come down any soon in fore seeable future as there's no synergy between the stakeholders here such as (various Govt depts such as tourism, RTO, etc) & Taxi owners and there is no apparent will to make a change. Goa gets about 5 times it's population as tourists ( 7.5 million tourists and Goa state population at 1.5 Million) So there will always be a ton of (sucker) tourists no matter how much atrocious the taxi fares become. The tourists number is too large for the Govt or Taxis to sit and take notice of these rising fares, tariffs and expenses.

[Fx14]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

It's relevant to realize that Goan residents are also at the receiving end in this matter as much or even more than the tourists due to an almost non existent / extremely poor public transport system.

Probably this is more due to vested interests at play. IIRC even when the Kadamba Transport (KTC) buses were initially launched, there was a lot of resistance by the private bus owners lobby who used to ply on the local routes.

Even after decades of existence, the KTC has only been able to dominate select shuttle routes like the Panjim-Margao etc. Whereas the local private operators still dictate terms elsewhere.

Mopa international airport is at the Northern end of Goa ( a few kms from Maharashtra border) and is around 100 Kms from Palolem / Canacona at South which is close to Karnataka border. So technically one would traverse the entire length of Goa to reach a resort/hotel at Palolem / residence at Canacona from Mopa.

If there's an affordable public transport system ( App based cabs such as Ola/uber) I would never ever ride/drive my vehicle. There are many locals who endorse my thoughts.

With the electrification of the Konkan Railway, why can't they run local trains from Pernem to Canacona and back every 30 minutes or so? Apart from families with lots of luggage, almost everyone else including the locals would benefit.

So Dabolim for all practical reasons will cease to be a domestic/ international airport in coming days. It may be used for VVIP flights only.

Expect to have additional concerns cited in the near future of national security issues given it's a Armed forces airbase etc., to expedite this process.

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by Fx14

With the electrification of the Konkan Railway, why can't they run local trains from Pernem to Canacona and back every 30 minutes or so? Apart from families with lots of luggage, almost everyone else including the locals would benefit.

The Konkan Railway is the lifeline of West Coast. It's already congested with a high frequency of long distance trains (All major North indian cities to coastal Karnataka & Kerala) and freight trains (the number keeps increasing). Most of the time, the existing trains are running late by a few hours due to congestion in the line. The electrification of the konkan railway is done, however we should remember that it's a single line / track and not double line/track. Hence the existing railway line cannot be utilized to run local trains.

It is interesting to note that there's a local train in Goa that runs from Vasco to Kulem, three trips a day (morning, afternoon and evening). The timings are also very appropriate for office goers. This train runs from east to West & vice versa and perpendicular to Konkan railway (which runs North to South).

So unless double tracking is done, the Konkan Railway cannot be used for local commuting in Goa. There's simply no bandwidth.

There were some discussion on a separate metro line from Canacona in South Goa to Pernem in North Goa ( both extreme end towns). However the economics doesn't work out as the Metro has to run full load everytime to make it economically viable. That's not going to happen as one cannot depend on floating population (tourists) to economically prop up the metro. The local population numbering 1.5 million doesn't contribute much to the metro coffers again due to very poor last mile connectivity. So trains are out.

The viable solution is to have EV taxis/ buses and App based taxis at affordable rate and better public transport system. As I said earlier if there's better transport system and app based taxis, I am more than willing to stop using my own vehicle and use them and if more Goans do as I do, then traffic will ease a lot, all taxis can run profitably with lesser fare and we can be one large happy family.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

So unless double tracking is done, the Konkan Railway cannot be used for local commuting in Goa.

And track doubling is also being opposed vigorously in some places. The Railways has tried starting work on doubling a couple of times, has been forced to stop due to protests.

Originally Posted by ashkamath

However the economics doesn't work out as the Metro has to run full load everytime to make it economically viable.

Yep, the first requirement for a Metro is population density to make the investment in separate infra worth it. It's not viable in several smaller towns yet, certainly will not be economically viable with Goa's low population density.

Originally Posted by ashkamath

The viable solution is to have EV taxis/ buses and App based taxis at affordable rate and better public transport system.

Absolutely! The electric buses between Panaji and Margao are really great. Best would be to expand the fleet and provide similar connectivity and frequency between other parts of Goa. And for last mile-connectivity, smaller EVs or more efficient taxi pooling services.

Take a beach like Palolem for an example. Over the past 15 years (of visiting on holiday and even spending a couple of months living there), I've seen how it gets even more crowded each year because there is just one narrow access road off the highway and limited parking near the beach. Weekends see traffic jams with vehicles parked all over the place. Imagine a fleet of electric buses ferrying people from the railway station and airport to a bus stop at one of the two large empty fields just outside the beach road. From there, cheap small EV taxis that ferry people in bulk to the beach side. (To be frank, any half-fit person can walk that short distance too.) Avoids jams, no need for people to hire or bring their own vehicles, no parking mess, easier pedestrian access and just a better beach holiday experience for all, locals avoid the headache of thoughtless tourist buses and SUVs parked everywhere and blocking their lanes, reduces pollution, local Goans working in the beach-related business but living elsewhere have a good commute option, as can those locals living in Chaudi and need to commute to Margao, Panaji, or Vasco. The state must take the call whether balancing these benefits against the interests of one group is worth it.

[Vtach]

This was the rate list a few days back at Mopa. Suddenly and quite amusingly, after booking the hotel in South Goa, all flights to Dabolim became 30-40% expensive than those to Mopa or developed long overlays! What joke of data privacy .
From Mopa traversing almost entire length to get to south Goa is a royal pain for the visitor but quite profitable for the taxi mafia I guess. The taxi guy admitted that the Govt has fixed Rs 29/km and mandated meters in each taxi but " itne mein kaun jaega saar..( who will go at these rates sir) while we can get away with daylight robbery; (unsaid). Wish there was a check on the actual usage of the meter by the authorities, the whole thing appears to be left in private hands as of now. They risk killing the golden egg laying goose at this rate.
Off topic, it seems the eureka moment for Mahindra's new logo came on a salubrious beach, maybe gently aided by some freindly mind altering neurotransmitters. Don't believe me? Have a look at the second pic!

[Raghu M]

No offence meant to anyone guys but my recent Goa trip (early Dec) was a disaster to say the least. While the stay was pretty decent, the attitude of the local guys (cab drivers, restaurant guys, people at the shacks, people renting out bikes/cars) is just not tourism friendly at all. They are very rude, do not have basic manners of how to speak to guests and are not ready to help in anyway. The taxi ride from the airport is exorbitant (even the old airport), it's just not worth it at all. Like someone mentioned, it's better to visit places like Kerala, Karwar etc which are equally scenic and have mind blowing cuisines.

We took a self drive XL6 and the guy who gave it on rent was very rude, did not assist in any kind of instructions (I was just enquiring if I should be wary of anything or how should I deal with cops if they stop me kind) and kept us waiting for more than 1 hour to get the keys. He was not comfortable with me checking out the car fully before taking it (wanted to be on the safe side regarding dents etc.). I asked the same questions multiple times and he and his friends would just sit there and keep staring at their phones without answering me. The overall attitude is absolutely not worth mentioning. I am not generalizing and it may be that I bumped into such kind of people but literally everyone I encountered during our 4 day vacation turned out to be rude and not at all helpful.

[Gaur]

Originally Posted by Raghu M

No offence meant to anyone guys but my recent Goa trip (early Dec) was a disaster to say the least. While the stay was pretty decent, the attitude of the local guys (cab drivers, restaurant guys, people at the shacks, people renting out bikes/cars) is just not tourism friendly at all. They are very rude, do not have basic manners of how to speak to guests and are not ready to help in anyway.

Was more or less always the case, it was never know to be Desi tourist friendly.

[Aloneatma]

Originally Posted by richie4u

Being from the sunny state of Goa itself, I am terribly ashamed of our public transportation system and what's even more shameful is that we call ourselves a tourist friendly state.

Goa does have a taxi service which is crude but similar to the OLA and Uber services we call it "Goa Miles" the app is available on your respective app store. I sincerely suggest you use the same when you land in Goa. It isn't exactly cheaper but much better then getting exorbitantly fleeced so much where'd you wish you never came here again.

Secondly, for those who wish to travel to the quieter area of Goa please book tickets to Dabolim Airport,Goa also known as GOI so that you are closer towards south Goa. The rest who like to party and wish to travel up north can stick to the new airport -MOPA also known as GOX

Unless the taxi union and the Government realise the self harm their stubborn attitude is causing them , the tourist friendly tag is going to be omitted real soon from Goa


P.S. Saw many replies from fellow bhpians who were stranded in Goa for the same issue. Next time please feel free to DM me so that I can share my contact for any local help/advise you guys need in Goa. Happy to help.

Stopped flying to Goa since 2012. Always drive down, especially if you are from Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore. I know hundreds of families who have started driving to Goa than taking a flight. That works out brilliantly and gives a lot of freedom and flexibility, especially in Goa.

The cab situation in Goa isn't changing any time soon. Been hearing of a solution in the works but nothing seems to work in that direction.

The cab mafia has a stronghold on the decision makers and competition of any kind will be opposed. If OLA or UBER is allowed into Goa it will decimate the mafia and their monopoly rendering them useless, not to mention jobless.

Goans are causing the downfall of Goa. Quality tourists are seeking classier beach destinations where they can get the loudest bang for their bucks.
Sadly the pain from the COVID years hasn't taught these operators any lesson.

Goa works for ne because the South is cleaner, quieter and classier. And importantly I drive down with another car for company.
Goa in monsoons is stunning. Goa during non peak periods is amazing. Better to avoid it during peak months. It just gets overcrowded, dirtier, noisier and expensive.

Goa is God's Own Area being exploited by greedy humans.

[nathanjdias]

Originally Posted by Mortis

it's hard to find the old school eateries serving good Goanese food

Ahh the infamous Goanese food. As a Goan living in Goa, I have to say that not once have I come across "Goanese" food.

On a serious note, there are plenty of Goan food joints all throughout the state, all you need to know is where to find them. In the past couple of years International Tourism declined in the state and was substituted with local tourists who preferred or were more accustomed to Indian cuisine which led to the rise in dhabas and vegetarian joints.

Coming to the Taxi issue in Goa. Yes it's a widespread issue which isn't only affecting Tourists but Goans too. Goa has the highest car ownership per household at 45.2% followed by Kerela at 24.2%. So you can make out the discrepancy. Coming to the households with vehicles you'll usually see two or more cars sitting in the driveways, more commonly you'll see multiple scooters, the life line of travel within the state. Taxis are a simple no go for locals to travel due to the cost.

This Taxi issue has given birth to a new problem. Self drive rental cars. It's now common to see Yellow on Black Self Drive Swift's, Balenos' and Thars on the roads commanded by utter morons who have no business being anywhere close to a vehicle. They drive recklessly giving no thought to the traffic, signals or basic road etiquettes. There have been some instances where such people have been stopped by locals and the drivers trashed which will only increase if such behaviour persists.