The Goa government has filed a police complaint against Uber for illegally operating its services in the state.
Airport services
Uber had started its services in Goa, including airport pick-up and drop, earlier last week.
However, the Manohar International Airport denied any such partnership with Uber.
“We would like to emphasize that Manohar International Airport has not entered into any formal partnership or establishment with Uber in Goa.
While there have been speculations circulating regarding the launch of Uber services in Goa, we would like to request that the relevant authorities be contacted for official confirmation,” the statement said.
Protest against cab aggregators
Goa currently has one app-based taxi service, Goa Miles.
The entry of app-based cab aggregators in Goa has been met with opposition and protests by local taxi unions and privately-owned taxi associations.
They accuse the companies of encroaching on their livelihood.
Complaint to cyber crime cell
State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that his department has filed a formal complaint against Uber for operating in the state without permission.
“The moment it came to our notice, we sent an email, and yesterday, a formal complaint was lodged with the cyber crime police. It is illegal if the cabs are plying without permission. So, we have to take action. How can one start and carry on a business, especially such big companies, without taking formal permission?” he said.
The department has asked the police to take action against the app-based taxi aggregator.
Investigation
Assistant Director of Transport Francisco Vaz has filed the complaint with the cyber crime cell.
“Assistant director of transport (South), Vasco, carried out a local inquiry and, to confirm the fact, booked a ride on July 4, 2023, at 3pm on the Uber App with a dummy pick-up location — Dabolim Airport at 3.50pm — and drop-off location as Hard Rock Hotel. The same was confirmed at 3.07pm,” the complaint stated.
“You are requested to block the online app services provided by the Uber App in Goa and initiate suitable legal action under the Information Technology Act and other laws against the responsible officers of the company”, it further said.
Shivendu Bhushan, SP Cyber Crime, said, “A complaint was received in this regard, following which an inquiry was conducted and accordingly, the reply has been submitted to the Transport Department for necessary action. No case has been registered so far.”
No chance of future permission
Godinho said the government had already made it clear that it will not allow app-based taxi aggregators Ola and Uber to operate in the state.
“The question of us giving any permission does not arise at all…The government has decided in the past to not give permission to Ola and Uber. The stand has not changed. If it changes ever…all situations are always dynamic…I will take [all] in confidence. Every taxi operator wants to come to Goa…but, at present there is no such proposal even to get them [cab aggregators],” he said.
