the goan I network
VASCO
The United Taximen Union (UTU), a body of around 350 black yellow taxis, on Monday complained about a “Prepaid Taxi Service” board outside a rent-a-cab counter at the Dabolim Airport.
The UTU members along with their legal advisor Adv Herculano Dourado agitated at the airport against the board.
The UTU has criticised the contractor for using a prepaid taxi service board and has appealed to the transport department and airport authority to intervene in the matter and take strict action on the contractor for violations.
UTU has also demanded that authorities get the board removed from the counter which operates as rent-a-cab counter and have also decided to approach the high court and submit their objections.
The UTU complained of encroachment into their business by the rent-a-cab operator counter by putting up prepaid taxi board while terming the actions as illegal.
Speaking to the media, UTU President Mahesh Naik said there were three separate taxi counters at the airport, Goa Miles, rent-a-cab and Yellow Black taxis.
“UTU recently realised that the rent-a-cab counter has put up a “prepaid taxi” board at the counter. We have demanded that the government should take immediate action as they are encroaching on the business of the yellow-black taxis operating at the airport,” alleged Naik.
Adv Herculano Dourado said the UTU would take up the issue, which is already in the high court. “They are a car rental service for hiring of cars and not offering point-to-point service or taking passengers. They have converted the rent-a-cab counter into a prepaid counter. The matter is pending against this and will be taken up by us in the in the High Court,” said Dourado.
Former UTU president Sanjay Naik said the UTU had been opposing the counter ever since they attempted to set it up at the airport. “We urge that the transport department to step in and get the operator to remove the prepaid taxi board,” demanded Naik.
