PONDA: Motorcycle taxi operators in Ponda have complained that their decades-old business is no longer economical due to various reasons. They have demanded welfare scheme for children, pension scheme after retirement and shed for their operations.
Motorcycle taxi service has been unique to Goa for the last several decades. But today these motorcycle taxi operators are seen struggling to earn a livelihood as according to them this business is no longer economical for them due to various reasons and changing circumstances. These reasons include rising cost of living, decline in customers due to increasing number of private vehicles, etc.
There was a time when motorcycle taxis were the only reliable means of public transportation after passenger buses. They used to drop any person to their destination at any place in Goa in case of emergency, but after the advent of gearless scooters and bikes in the last few decades, today they are struggling for their survival. Earlier, women did not ride scooters and bikes and were often customers of motorcycle taxis. Also tourists were his favorite customers. But now their business has declined drastically due to renting bikes/scooters.
Moreover, some private two-wheeler owners rent out their vehicles illegally and hence they are losing their customers.
Motorcycle pilots said that although the government has fulfilled our demand by notifying motorcycle taxi operators at various public places, they are still struggling to get sheds. Building a shed is our long pending demand. They face a lot of inconvenience due to scorching sun and rain during summer.
Denu Naik, a motorcycle taxi operator, said, “Our demand for shelter has been ignored for years. Till today we do business in the open in the hot sun and rain. In the current situation the government should understand the problem and provide financial assistance. Needed.” Support to traditional motorcycle taxi operators in Goa. The government should start a retirement scheme for us.
Mangaldas Gawde, another taxi operator, said, “In the current rising inflation, it is becoming difficult to run a household with the money we earn. The cost of children’s education is also increasing. Such a situation has arisen that we have to spend the day Is.” We are not able to make any savings. Our house will last only as long as we ride motorcycles. If we fall ill, it will be difficult to earn money.”
Raju Naik said, “Everyone enjoys holidays but we don’t have that luxury. Be it rain or shine, we have to be at the stand. The day someone falls ill, our pockets are empty.”
