Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 18: In a significant move aimed at curbing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety, the Goa Transport Department on Thursday officially enforced a freeze on new rent-a-cab permits, with retrospective effect from February 24.

The notification comes nearly five months after the State Transport Authority (STA) first decided to halt the issuance of new permits under the rent-a-cab scheme. The decision, taken at an STA meeting in March, was prompted by the unchecked surge in rental cab numbers across the state.

"This step is being implemented to prevent overcrowding on roads and to ensure better safety standards," the department stated in its notification.

Between January and March 17 this year alone, 3,438 transport permits were issued across various categories — with 359 allotted to rent-a-cab operators.

In February, the department had already tightened rules, making it mandatory for rental cars to operate strictly from registered office premises. Any operator found running services from public places like airports and railway stations was warned of immediate suspension of their licence.

The surge in rental cabs has contributed to worsening traffic conditions and road accidents in recent years. Last year, four fatal accidents involving rent-a-cab vehicles were reported in the state, triggering serious concern and regulatory action.

Authorities have clarified that the freeze applies to all new applications, and existing permits will remain valid, subject to compliance with revised operational norms.