No Ola, Uber Says Goa CM: Will This Affect Tourism? Local Residents React

In a state where tourism is the backbone of its economy, the absence of reliable and affordable transport options can have serious repercussions. Goa, despite releasing a draft of the Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, has firmly shut the door on ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's recent clarification after a meeting with coastal MLAs and taxi unions has reignited the ongoing debate between protecting local livelihoods and offering tourists a seamless travel experience.

As Goa tries to strike a delicate balance, one question looms large-will tourism suffer yet again?

A familiar problem: "₹1,600 for a 10 km Ride"

The frustration isn’t new. In April 2025, a video of a tourist complaining about being charged ₹1,600 for a 10 km ride went viral, calling Goa’s taxi culture a “transport mafia.” The video, which gained massive traction on social media, echoed sentiments tourists have voiced for years-lack of fare transparency, unregulated pricing, and zero digital payment or tracking options.

This scenario isn't isolated. Many tourists-especially families, solo travellers, and first-time visitors-have expressed reluctance to return to Goa due to unpredictable taxi fares. The lack of Ola and Uber continues to be cited as a major deterrent.

"Getting to a Place in an Emergency is Important”

A resident, Sharada Menon from Vasco who doesn’t drive expressed a growing concern that echoes among senior citizens, working professionals, and women in Goa. “Ola and Uber would be a blessing for people like me who don't drive. Getting to a place in an emergency situation is of prime importance.”

Sharada has lived in Mumbai before and therefore compared the convinience of commute in the two cities. “I’m born and brought up in Mumbai. I truly miss Ola or Uber. It’s better than relying on friends to pick and drop me or waiting for your spouse to get free.”

In cities like Mumbai or Delhi, cab meters and digital fare estimates are not just convenient-they are critical tools of urban mobility. Goa’s refusal to integrate such systems is increasingly alienating both locals used to app convenience and tourists expecting it.

The 'Taxi Mafia' reputation hurts tourism

A Goan local, Sourabh Lavate, said, “The cab fares are unreasonable and the unions are dominant. We locals manage with buses or shared tempos, but for tourists, the image of 'taxi mafias' is damaging. Many now prefer renting two-wheelers or self-drive cars just to avoid arguments and overcharging.”

Unfortunately, not all tourists are comfortable driving in a new state, particularly international or elderly visitors. The absence of a trusted, affordable cab system is often cited in travel blogs and forums as a reason to skip Goa altogether.

Reduce fares, use meters-A call for common sense

“Reduce fares! Strictly use meters in cabs. Like the kaali-peeli taxis in Mumbai-we could travel freely without drilling a hole in our pockets," Sharada said, sharing her struggle.

Implementing standardised meters and a central fare chart could help bridge the gap between local cab unions and modern expectations. But enforcement remains a challenge.

While protecting local livelihoods is a valid concern, the absence of structured competition and tech-backed systems can make room for monopolistic behaviour. Critics argue that banning Ola and Uber protects a few at the cost of many-especially the tourism sector that is already battling competition from neighbouring beach destinations like Gokarna and Kerala.

However, the newly released draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 hints at a possible localised app or aggregator system. If designed well-with transparent fares, digital payment options, GPS tracking, and emergency support-such a system could offer the best of both worlds: local employment and visitor satisfaction.

Goa’s current policy presents both risk and opportunity. Without execution of a fair, transparent fare system, tourism will likely continue to suffer from bad reviews, social media backlash, and dwindling repeat visits.

(Sharada Menon's inputs by Prachi Singh)