Taxi operators in Goa moan lack of foreign tourists

As the tourist season picks up pace, the ecosystem seems to falter a bit, and the loudest screech is heard coming from the wheels of taxis that transport the guests.

“We get business but not as much as we should, because the market is slowly being captured by app operators, private vehicles and people in the rent-a-bike business,” moans Rosarin as he returns from a cup of tea.

“On the one hand, we have a demanding that we install meters and on the other, it allows other operators to invade our domain and deny us of what should be our earnings,” he says, dejection writ large on his face.

Taxi drivers in South Goa are upset about the manner in which, they believe, the government is squeezing them out of business. “The first problem is that the foreigners have yet to come. They are different from these Indian clients,” argues taxi driver Peter.

STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET: Taxi owner Rosarin feels the government squeeze.

“Today, we had a guest coming out of a resort, and when we told him it will cost Rs 800 to go to the station, he agreed to pay Rs 500. If not, he takes his baggage, sits on a rent-a-bike and leaves,” he rues.

“Indian clients are different from the . They may stay in similar resorts, but their mentality is different. An Indian is the type who will hope you will offer to drop him free,” says Peter sarcastically.

Sitting in a lively restaurant, Fish from England is sipping his beer awaiting his colleagues. “I do not think taxi rides are expensive here. At the end of the day, an Indian has the right to live life decently as they are no different than us. They are a bunch of good blokes,” says Fish, a regular visitor.

He adds, “I asked my cab driver to take me to his home last year, and then realised that all is not a bed of roses for them. They have a family and children to educate and that cannot be done by driving us around cheap.”

But there are foreigners who prefer bikes too.

“I got two trips yesterday, one the day before and none today. Most guests opt to go to see other or to the Margao market. We still do not have guests wanting to go to the flea or Mapusa market,” confides Xavier.

But there are foreigners who prefer bikes too. As the night begins to settle, a group of Russians walk towards a restaurant where their friends are dining.

“The here is cheaper and tastier. The people are nice, and after a meal, we go out for a walk,” says Alex as he sips a beer after a shot of vodka.

“We normally hire bikes because it is not only cheaper but helps us go to where we want to with no time constraints. Bikes are cheaply available, and the roads are so far good,” he observes.

SELF-SERVICE: Tourists at homestays stock up at retail alcohol stores

“I like to serve myself my drinks. This is fun,” mutters Andrew as he walks from the liquor outlet towards his homestay. My lady cooks for us, and I am the bartender,” he jokes as he walks with his stock of .

Just like in North Goa, stakeholders in the south are still waiting for foreigners to arrive in droves and serenade the industry because it is their melody that seems to soothe the economic uncertainty.