NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Claiming that it is not opposing the government decision to lift the moratorium on issuance of new rent-a-bike permits, North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association (NGTTOA) however demanded that it be enforced again after one year and that only new operators be allowed with a limit of five bikes.
The association also clarified that it will have no objection if the moratorium on new rent-a-cab permits is withdrawn but it should not affect their business.
It may be recalled that the association was at the forefront demanding a ban on rent-a-car and rent-a-bike business on the grounds that it is adversely affecting the traditional taxi business in the state.
Speaking to this daily, NGTTOA vice-president Ravindra Vengurlekar said, “We have no objection to the lifting of moratorium on rent-a-bike operations, announcement of which was made by the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the budget speech,” he informed adding, “We will urge the Chief Minister to enforce the moratorium after one year and to give permit only to new operators with a maximum of five bikes.”
When asked about change in stand on rent-a-cab business, Vengurlekar said, “We have now realised that we have to move ahead according to requirement of tourists so now we will ask to amend the provision of rent-a-cab scheme to reduce the limit from 50 to 5 cars so that unemployed youth can be eligible to operate rent-a-car business.”