Taxi drivers from South Goa feel that they are often misunderstood. The economics of plying taxi has not helped the drivers as perceived. Most of them are still employees and they are yet to become the proud owner of their own taxis.

The taxi drivers said that at some point they too would like to own a car and start on their own. But they said the income they earn during the season is not sufficient for them especially during the off-season.

A taxi driver, Mr Kurgaokar, who operates at the Konkan Railway station, said that their business totally depends upon the customer’s wish. He said that there are times when he doesn’t get a customer even for two days. He further said that there is constant pressure of providing for the family. He also has to pay a very high loan instalment.

Mr Kurgaokar said that there is no fixed pattern of earnings and added that there is a lot of competition as a result the profit margins are quite low given that the high cost of fuel and maintenance of the vehicle.

He said that besides providing for the family, they also need to save for the four months of the off-season. He appreciated the support given by his family, when the going gets tough.

When asked about the tariffs, he said they usually charge the return fare, as they are not sure if they will get customers on their return trip.

Another driver, who identified himself only as Tony, said that he was working in the Gulf, however, things didn’t work too well and he lost his job, which forced him to return.

“Dented by the experience I decided to find a job in Goa, but no avail, until my friend suggested to start with a tourist taxi, and that is how I got in here.

Elaborating further, he said he found it hard to adjust to the new role, however he started enjoying it. He said he tries to be very friendly with the customer and charges very reasonable rates. Mr Tony also added that at some point he plans to purchase a couple of cars so as to provide employment to the local youth so that they will not have to face the experiences he faced in the Gulf.

While Mr Samson D’Souza said that he shuttles his customers only in the evening and early morning as he has a regular job at a shop and works over time just for a few extra bucks. He said he mostly drops children to school and in the afternoon he picks them up during the lunch break. While in the evenings after he is done with his work he shuttles the people around till late night.

He said that he picked a second-hand vehicle as he could not afford the monthly instalments for a new car. He said that he plans to buy a new one and may even consider taking it up as a full-time career.

Mr Rajesh Shirodkar of the Margao Taxi Drivers And Operators Association said the pre-paid facility at the Konkan Railway station at least assures them of regular business as most of the drivers get a minimum of two trips, while they get at least one trip during the off-season. He also said that all the operators contribute a small amount in order to pay the fees to the Konkan Railway and also for the stationery required at the counter.

Mr P Fernandes, who operates at a starred hotel, said he had a tough time to get into the business as no bank was willing to give him a loan to purchase a car. He said that a couple of family members and some good neighbours contributed, while a local youth leader helped him avail a loan for his taxi. He said that during season he sometimes even earns around Rs 1000 to Rs 2500 in a day, while there are other days that he earns only Rs 500. He said that he doesn’t like to loose his customers and even goes on trip at break-even rates in the hope of getting clients on his return trip.

Mr Fernandes said that in the last couple of years the competition has really increased 10 fold and tour operators trying to join the bandwagon has not made things any easier. He said that the tourists have become very smart and they too bargain, and if not given a satisfactory deal, they just turn their backs, while at the same time if you are good to them, they give you a lot of business.

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