Taxis fleecing tourists, tourism stakeholders agree with MLAs -Herald

Taxis fleecing tourists, tourism stakeholders agree with MLAs April 12, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: Tourism industry stakeholders have come out in defence of MLAs’ criticism of taxi drivers for fleecing tourists and giving the Goa tourism industry a bad name, even as tourist taxi associations are gearing up to hold a protest against the allegation voiced against them. “Goa is witnessing an outburst from the taxi lobby stung by criticism from MLAs during debate in Legislative Assembly. If one looks at the comments of the tourists on the various travel websites, it is clear that the MLAs were right in voicing their concern and anguish,” a tourism industry stakeholder, who wished to remain anonymous, fearing backlash from taxi operators, said. True enough, review comments on websites such as makemytrip.com and tripadvisor.com made by tourists, both domestic and international, have one common complaint ~ the overcharging of taxis. “The taxi mafia in Goa gives no regard to the official figures. Tourists need to show some strength against these thieves (for that’s what they are) and just use the local buses or walk if you can. If enough visitors refuse to use the taxis then they will soon get the message. Hopefully with the government of India becoming more involved with the running of Goa, some change may occur in the future,” a comment placed under the name of a destination expert from Kolkata reads on the website tripadvisor.in. “This problem with taxis and rickshaws has been going on for years and nothing has been done because the heavyweight politicians own the taxis and rickshaws through cousins, friends, aunties and uncles. The best remedy for this is for all tourists, whether domestic or international, should avoid Goa and visit Kerala and other parts of India or even visit countries abroad where you get the better service as well as your money’s worth in all aspects. The government should avoid participating in Tourism Fairs when the situation at home is a disaster. First clean up the mess before you invite tourists,” another comment placed by one Mathias reads. “I have been coming to Goa for years and sick of arguing costs with the taxi mafia. The last visit saw taxi drivers at Calangute bus stand chasing away other taxis and buses and preventing domestic and international tourists from using other modes of transport, leaving them with no option but to take one of their taxis at ridiculous rates,” part of another comment posted by “Bob England” reads. The hotel owner countered the taxi association argument that hotels increase their rates in peak season, but that taxis should not be allowed to. “Most of the year the hotels charge much less than their tariffs which has to be made up along with laws of demand and supply. Taxis do not reduce their tariffs during the off season. The purchase price of the taxis is fixed whereas the cost of construction of each hotel is variable. Are the taxi operators willing to reduce their prices in the off season?” he asked. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Taxis-fleecing-tourists-tourism-stakeholders-agree-with-MLAs/73105.html