Goa’s official taxi app has marked a significant achievement, completing over 70,000 rides and successfully onboarding more than 1,000 drivers. This unified digital platform, a government-backed initiative, is transforming local transportation across the state by integrating numerous taxi operators into a seamless and transparent system.

This initiative aligns with the Goa government’s broader vision of promoting inclusive economic growth and enhancing the overall experience for both tourists and residents. Efficient and reliable mobility is crucial for a thriving tourism sector, and the Goa Taxi App has become a vital component of the state’s transport ecosystem, improving accessibility, safety, and convenience for everyone.

Key Milestones Achieved

The rollout of the Goa Taxi App has been marked by significant milestones:

• January 5, 2023: Launch of the Goa Taxi counter service at Manohar International Airport, providing immediate access to official taxi services for travelers.
• October 16, 2023: Expansion of services to the Margao Railway Station, further broadening its reach.
• Subsequent launch of the official mobile application, enabling online taxi booking, real-time ride tracking, and reliable transportation statewide.

Since its inception, the app has garnered increasing confidence from both operators and passengers, evident in the impressive number of completed rides and onboarded drivers.

The Goa Taxi App boasts several user-friendly features:

• Online taxi registration and booking.
• Real-time ride updates for both drivers and passengers.
• Dynamic fare calculation based on government-notified rates.
• Integration with Google Maps for accurate location services.
• Multiple payment options, including wallet, cards, UPI, and cash.
• SOS (emergency) features for both drivers and passengers, enhancing safety.

For taxi operators, the app unlocks significant earning potential by connecting them to a larger digital marketplace, offering flexible working hours, and ensuring fairer compensation aligned with the Directorate of Transport-notified rates. Notably, the app’s government-backed model prioritizes service over profit maximization, ensuring more income flows back to the operators. The system also rewards good conduct, with highly-rated drivers receiving more trip opportunities, while convenience fees collected are earmarked for welfare schemes benefiting taxi operators and their families.

For tourists and the general public, the app provides round-the-clock, hassle-free booking, making it a safer and more economical option compared to self-driven vehicles, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local routes. Transparent pricing, instant feedback mechanisms, and built-in safety features like the SOS button offer passengers greater confidence and peace of mind while traveling across Goa.

For the Government, this initiative represents a strategic effort to formalize and standardize the taxi sector, enhancing the overall commuting experience and reinforcing Goa’s reputation as a responsible, tourist-friendly destination. A transparent, government-regulated system ensures that both visitors and residents benefit from consistent service quality, fair pricing, and improved safety standards.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism, commented on the initiative’s success, stating, “The Goa Taxi App is not just a technological innovation; it is a commitment to creating an inclusive, efficient, and safe transport ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. By leveraging digital tools, we are positioning Goa as a forward-looking tourism destination and improving livelihoods for thousands of local taxi operators.”

With Goa’s tourism sector poised for continued growth, the Goa Taxi App plays a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility, ensuring that every journey — whether for work or leisure — is smoother, safer, and more connected than ever before.

Key Highlights:

• The Goa Taxi App has completed 70,000 rides and onboarded over 1,000 drivers.
• The government-backed platform aims to modernize and unify Goa’s taxi ecosystem.
• The app offers online booking, real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and multiple payment options.
• It benefits both taxi operators through fair compensation and passengers through convenience and safety.