A growing dispute between local taxi unions and outside operators is causing concern within South Goa’s hospitality sector, as tensions rise over violations of the established hotel taxi queue system.
On Monday, members of the North and South Goa Taxi Union, accompanied by Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz and Carmona Sarpanch Sandra Fernandes, gathered at Colva police station to protest what they describe as a growing trend of unregulated taxis bypassing hotel-managed transport systems to pick up guests directly from resort properties.
Hotels across South Goa have long relied on the “Q System” — a structured and time-tested taxi queue model where guests book local taxis through an on-site hotel counter. This system not only ensures safety and convenience for guests, but also provides a fair, rotational income for local drivers.
However, according to union representatives, external operators, often coordinated via online platforms, are increasingly encroaching on this system by directly accepting bookings and arriving at hotel premises to pick up guests. “These practices undermine the regulated transport arrangements set by hotels, confuse guests, and frequently lead to confrontations between drivers,” the unions stated in a memorandum submitted to the police.
“These altercations create a negative environment that impacts guest experience and reflects poorly on hotel management,” a hotel operations manager in Cavelossim said on condition of anonymity. “The queue system was put in place for precisely this reason—to ensure guest safety, transparency in pricing, and harmony among stakeholders.”
The memorandum noted that repeated incidents of conflict have escalated to the point where police intervention is often required, disrupting hotel operations and leaving guests caught in uncomfortable situations.
Local leaders and union representatives have urged law enforcement and the government to step in with clear regulations to protect the interests of local service providers and maintain order, especially with the Assembly session approaching.
“The tourism industry in Goa depends on a seamless guest experience—from arrival to check-out,” said Dixon Vaz. “If unregulated transport practices continue unchecked, the overall perception of Goa as a premium destination may suffer.”
Source: THE GOAN NETWORK
