[IamNikhil]

The Goan taxi mafia is legendary; they would put even the Italian Mob to shame. Have personally experienced heated fights between taxi operators for operating a North Goa vehicle in South Goa! The Goan economy has taken a downturn recently and the blatant goondaism of the taxi operators is one of it's biggest reasons. No tourist would want to be treated in this manner, especially when one has arrived in Goa to relax and rejuvenate. Have never seen such shabby behaviour in any other part of the country; nor in any other international location either.

The government doesn't do anything either because the taxi mafia there is very powerful and taking them on is akin to political harakiri. No wonder Uber/Ola have stayed away from such a volatile environment.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by IamNikhil

The Goan economy has taken a downturn recently and the blatant goondaism of the taxi operators is one of it's biggest reasons.

They are shooting themselves in the foot, as is evident from the stagnant/reduced tourist footfall over the last couple of years.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/trend...10753-amp.html

https://www.businesstoday.in/india/s...651-2024-11-05

[para_7k]

Sharing the details of the agency and the drivers

Agency: Tahaans Eco Travel
Social media link: https://www.instagram.com/taahans.ec...F3bzNoZWc3cWxt

1st Vendor: Prakash Parab, Pernem
2nd Vendor: Damodar Komarpant, Pawandeep Taxi Service, Palolem
https://southgoalife.in/blog/listing...p-cab-service/

3rd driver of the actual cab- Name Alex, Toyota Etios, GA 10T 0462, No idea of the agency or employer

I have not shared the mobile phone numbers just for the sake of privacy.

[PreludeSH]

Very sad incident. If being told to drive safely so many times did not change him, it must feel dangerous. Read news that Goa is losing out to Sri Lanka for foreign tourists. Not a good way for something so important to the state. We need to treat visitors well like other tourist dependent countries.

[Raghu M]

The MOPA is far from most of the places in Goa. Many people book tickets and forget to see how far it is from South Goa. Also, paying 5600 for that trip is outrageous. I had a similar experience when I traveled to Goa in 2019. I took a prepaid taxi from Dabolim airport to Palolem and the driver was totally nuts. Was chewing pan masala and was driving onto incoming traffic creating a very disturbing experience. I called him out twice and then I shouted at him. He stopped the car in the middle of the road and started arguing me that he knows these routes very well and I don't need to teach him. I gave him an earful and we were dropped at our resort.

When I got back to Hyd, I dialed up their prepaid taxi call center and lodged my complaint. I gave all the details (I had the bill with me). After a couple of days, I got a call from the airport enquiring about my concern. I narrated the whole ordeal and they said they will take action. I asked them what would be done, they said the particular cab and driver will be barred from operating in their premises for 2 weeks. Now, I am not sure if that was implemented but the guy on the telephone sounded pretty serious. There were other instances where I had similar experience but only in Goa.

[IamNikhil]

Originally Posted by Raghu M

The MOPA is far from most of the places in Goa. Many people book tickets and forget to see how far it is from South Goa.

Mopa Airport is meant to cater to people heading to North Goa and Dabolim Airport for the ones heading to South Goa. This is purely from the perspective of convenience.

[AltoLXI]

Originally Posted by para_7k

Oh, and the fare was not cheap. We paid 5600 INR for the trip in a rattling Toyota Etios which is very expensive compared to any other parts of India.

5600 INR for 100 kms is way too much! Is it the same with all the taxis in Goa? Considering the agony you went through, the price is not justified.

[TheStoryweaver]

I completely agree about the taxi mafia operating in Goa. They are stubborn, unyielding, and refuse to negotiate. Recently, I had a flight from MOPA to my city, starting my journey from Palolem. I decided to travel to North Goa a day prior to my flight and then continue to the airport.

Since taxi fares are extremely high in Goa, I opted to take the government-operated electric AC bus from Mapusa Bus Stand to the airport. I highly recommend that travelers research this bus service, as it is both economical and convenient compared to taking a taxi.

The day before my flight, I contacted drivers to arrange a ride to the bus stand, which was only 6-7 km away, but they were quoting unreasonably high prices (I can’t recall the exact figures).

There is a government-launched app for booking rides, but hostel operators told me that, due to fear of the taxi unions, drivers often don’t accept rides, and there’s a high probability they won’t show up even if you book. They can drop you off from the airport but won’t pick you up for airport drop-offs. So, I decided to take a chance and use the local bus to reach the bus stand, where I caught the government-operated airport EV shuttle bus.

The reason these taxi unions continue to operate unchecked is their ability to manipulate political will due to their size and influence. I truly hope that this monopoly breaks and that this hooliganism comes to an end.

[Neurodoc]

I travel frequently to Goa as I live 3 hours from the place. Goa taxi drivers are trained themselves to drive like that, I have had my share of fights with taxi drivers in past few trips and now i just give them way and don’t mingle with them at all. Last week i travelled from Mopa airport to anjuna and taxi guy charged 1200rs, as usual he was driving fast and as the drop location reached he started same story as its far from what we agreed. But as i travel frequently and knowing marathi made him aware that i am not going to budge. I hire cabs from hotel guys as its better in that way or take my own vehicle.

[Miyata]

Originally Posted by para_7k

What did we get in return ? A very close call with our guardian angels. Did we really deserve this after paying through our hand and mouth ?

What I've started doing is pay some small amount to the driver for tea / coffee before we start. To tune of INR 200 - 300 seems to suffice most times.

When handing them the money, I also request them to drive safe and without rushing. They become attentive.

The first instance was in Varanasi - A rough & bully looking Innova driver. Just as I handed him the chai / panni money, I could see the softening of his eye and change in his demeanor. It was a revelation to me and a good education too for me for life!

Money can't buy happiness - That's a blatant lie!

[arjunsatheesh]

The reason I stopped going to Goa is because of these rowdy cabs/auto guys. If we take our car then the driver will need to stay sober(which most tourists are not doing though) and this takes away from the experience. And every time we take a cab its a big headache. I recently went to Vietnam and was blown away by their cab services like Grab and Vinasun. So effortless and easy to use. For the same cost as Goa we can easily go to Vietnam and Thailand and have a superb time!

[pjbiju]

Originally Posted by IamNikhil

Mopa Airport is meant to cater to people heading to North Goa and Dabolim Airport for the ones heading to South Goa. This is purely from the perspective of convenience.

There are not many flights to Dabolim any more. In fact, I found no flights from Pune to Dabolim when I did a recent search. So, people are forced to go to MOPA airport from most of the places they fly in.

One of my friends who flies frequently to Goa has been using Goa Miles and is happy with their services and drivers. I have never used a rental car in Goa. So, really cannot comment on the rental agencies/drivers.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by pjbiju

One of my friends who flies frequently to Goa has been using Goa Miles and is happy with their services and drivers.

The problem is the local taxi drivers gang up and don't let Goa Miles drivers near a lot of the areas. The local politicians also support the thugs. Heck, they even act like thugs themselves
(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/69615585.cms)

So,
The government is not serious about solving the transport issue. The locals who are involved in the tourist trade are happy because there is more money without a good public transport system. The locals who aren't involved in the tourist trade don't care because they have vehicles (Goa has among the highest vehicle ownership per capita) and they would prefer fewer tourists anyway. Most tourists also don't really care, they will pay what it takes.

So I don't see this being solved. At least not anytime soon.

Originally Posted by hemant.kamat

And henceforth, use the GoaMiles app for local taxi booking

Outside of Panaji, and apart from airport drops, have things improved with GoaMiles? Do you get rides easily using the app these days?

[hemant.kamat]

Originally Posted by para_7k

Oh, and the fare was not cheap. We paid 5600 INR for the trip in a rattling Toyota Etios which is very expensive compared to any other parts of India.

Not justifying or condoning the daylight robbery, but South Goa taxis are not allowed to operate in North Goa and vice versa due to the ever ongoing feud between the 2 taxi unions. Due to this they return empty and charge the customers double the fare. So effectively, you paid for a 200km trip

Originally Posted by para_7k

I really wish that another family does not fall into the hands of drivers like Mr A and go thorough the nightmare ride which we did.

Please lodge a complaint against both, the agent & taxi driver on the Department Of Transport website. And henceforth, use the GoaMiles app for local taxi booking

[GTO]

Goa is a place where driver taxis are ridiculously expensive, but self drive car rentals are relatively reasonably priced.

Especially if going for multiple days and stepping out everyday, it is impossible to call for chauffeur driven taxis.

I always get a self drive rental car in Goa.