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Go Goa by a metered cab
100 contract carriage permits will be given to metered taxis from Mumbai and Goa, reports Rajendra Aklekar.
Remember the unforgettable journey ‘Bombay to Goa’, the Bollywood blockbuster of the 70’s. Now, you can go on the same tour in the comfort of a hired cab, instead of the old bus.
The governments of Maharashtra and Goa have entered into a "revised reciprocal transport agreement" under which 100 contract carriage permits will be given to metered taxis from both states.
According to a notification from the Home department, the proposal has been taken up following demand from several representatives. Clause 4 of the agreement specifies about the metered cab transport between the two states.
Going to Goa will no more sound like going to another state, but will be like a ‘local’ travel. Hundred cabs from Maharashtra and Goa each can enter either state on specific routes, without having to drop the passengers at the border. The move will also help boost tourism in Goa.
Sources from the state’s transport department said once the agreement is signed, objections and suggestions will be invited from public. According to the notification, objections and suggestions can be submitted till December 31, 2006, following which bids will be invited for players to participate in the scheme.
The cabs may be in the traditional black-yellow or any other colour of the operator’s choice.
The metered taxis will be exempt from payment of taxes and the fare charged will be as per the fare structure of the state from which the cab hails. This means, a cab from Maharashtra will have a fare structure as per the state tariff card used in Mumbai. The exact fare structure for these taxis will be decided soon.
