Goa’s “taxi mafia” sparks traveler outrage
In recent times, travelers have been increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with Goa’s taxi services. Many have highlighted concerns over high fares and what some describe as a monopolistic taxi union environment, commonly referred to as the "Goa taxi mafia." Reports from the Indian Express and the Times of India have reported on these frustrations.
A number of tourists have encountered exorbitant fares for relatively short distances. One traveler recounted being charged ₹1,600 (~20 USD) for a 10 km one-way journey, while another reported a fare of ₹2,500 (~30 USD) from Goa Airport to Arambol — a sum that even exceeded the cost of a flight from Mumbai to Goa, as detailed in fare analyses by the Times of India.
Another emerging concern is the lack of app-based services in Goa. Unlike many other Indian states, prominent ride-hailing platforms such as Ola and Uber are not permitted to operate in the region. Both the Indian Express and the Times of India report that this restriction stems largely from resistance by local taxi unions.
Compounding these issues, several tourists have described incidents of threats and intimidation from taxi drivers. In one widely shared social media account, a traveler claimed that more than 10 taxi drivers had ganged up on him while he was picking up a foreign friend from a beach, heightening safety concerns among visitors.
The challenges facing Goa’s taxi services are also taking a toll on the local tourism industry. With foreign visitor numbers still recovering — only 1.5 million in 2023 compared to 8.5 million in 2019 — these ongoing issues may further deter tourists from choosing Goa as their destination.
In response, there have been several notable official measures. The Goa government has attempted to counter the problem by launching its own app-based taxi service, Goa Miles, though this initiative has encountered strong resistance from local taxi unions. Additionally, voices within the industry are calling for the government to allow private taxi apps in Goa, arguing that increased competition could help bring down the exorbitant fares that many travellers are currently facing. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism has released statistics challenging some of the figures circulating on social media regarding a decline in tourist numbers.
Amid these official responses, traveller reactions have been mixed. While many are actively seeking alternative travel destinations — with some turning to Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Vietnam, and others favoring places like Sri Lanka or coastal Spain for their more practical transport options and fair pricing — there remains a contingent defending Goa’s traditional transport methods. Advocates point out that alternatives such as scooter or car rentals are widely available and often more economical. In addition, public bus services, with fares as low as ₹50 from the airport to both North and South Goa, continue to serve as a popular and affordable travel option.
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