Particle.news

Goa Bars Uber and Ola From Operating Under New Transport Guidelines

Officials say the measure will protect local drivers’ earnings without granting new permits to outside firms.

Overview

  • Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed on June 13 that non-Goan aggregators will receive no new operating permits despite the May 20 draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025
  • The draft guidelines set licensing fees, refundable security deposits, data-retention rules and welfare provisions for app-based cab services
  • Local taxi unions supported the ban, highlighting the livelihoods of 24,000 drivers and their families and noting Goa’s high vehicle-per-capita rate
  • Critics including investor Mohandas Pai denounce the decision as restrictive for commuters and warn it could undermine tourism for nearly one crore annual visitors
  • Goa’s own aggregator platforms, Goa Miles and Goa Taxi, will remain the primary app-based options for around 16,000 yellow-black taxis