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Now enjoy smoother ride with GoaMiles taxi app

By on August 18, 2018

Following months of heated debate over fares and regulations between taxi operators and the government, the new GoaMiles app is set to bring a change in the situation. Goa’s first and exclusive mobile app based taxi service GOAMILES was launched recently by Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar at the Secretariat Complex, Porvorim

Present at the launch were Minister for Tourism, Manohar Ajgaonkar; Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Nilesh Cabral; Chief Secretary, Dharmendra Sharma; Secretary for Tourism, Sheo Pratap Singh, Director, of Tourism Menino D’Souza, MD of GTDC & Director of Transport Nikhil Desai and along with other dignitaries.

As many as 2800 licensed taxi drivers in Goa have already expressed interest in using the app and the number is expected to grow as passenger demands swell.

GoaMiles is free for passengers to download on Android and iOS platforms. This app offers similar features as national and global taxi app Ola and Uber. When passengers request a ride, the nearest taxi sees the location, confirms pick up and arrival time. The app has a Last Driver feature that connects passengers instantly with the driver so they can arrange to retrieve any articles left behind.

Passengers in Goa will now also have the ability to rate their ride. A driver with consistent high ratings can expect more business. GoaMiles also optimises the use of taxis throughout the region by bringing cabs to

under-served neighbourhoods and eliminates the guessing game drivers have to play to find more fares.

Hundreds of taxi drivers have shown keen interest in the app. The GoaMiles team will hold sessions to educate drivers about how best to use the app to better serve the public and generate more business.

Drivers will be given courses in etiquette; knowledge of tourist places, Goan culture and tradition; and basic first aid; so they can emerge as brand ambassadors for Goa Tourism. GTDC is also likely to organise health insurance and scholarship schemes for family members of taxi drivers and the best rated drivers will be given cash awards every month.

GoaMiles managing director Utkarsh Dabhade speaks to VIVA GOA about the features of the new taxi app.

Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.

Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.