Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, May 12: Rent-a-cab operators in Goa have raised concern over increasing cases of tourists abandoning rented vehicles after accidents or at the end of rental periods without settling dues or collecting their identification documents, causing heavy financial losses to operators.
According to operators, nearly 20 to 25 per cent of customers every month leave behind documents such as Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards with vehicle rental agencies and fail to return.
North Goa Rent-A-Cab Association president Nitesh Chodankar said many tourists leave vehicles unattended at airports, roadside locations or near homestays, sometimes even disappearing with the keys and cutting off all communication.
“This is one of the biggest losses faced by operators. We are forced to bear insurance expenses, loan instalments and repair costs in such cases,” Chodankar said.
He added that while operators retain original government-issued identification documents as address proof during rentals, they are legally not permitted to hold Aadhaar or voter ID cards permanently.
“If tourists answer our calls, we offer to courier their documents back if they agree to pay for damages or pending dues. Some cooperate, while others refuse and claim they have political contacts or influential relatives in Goa,” he said.
Goa’s rent-a-cab sector currently comprises more than 6,000 vehicles operated by around 10 licensed holders under a common association.
As part of the rental process, customers are required to fill out Form 5 containing travel details and return dates, agree to terms and conditions, and record the condition of the vehicle through video documentation before taking possession. Staff also brief customers about drink-and-drive regulations.
Operators collect copies of driving licences, full advance payment and refundable security deposits — Rs 3,000 for hatchbacks and Rs 5,000 for SUVs. Original identification documents such as Aadhaar or voter ID are usually retained as proof of address.
Goa Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) coordinator Roland Martins said there was a need to introduce standard operating procedures for rent-a-cab and rent-a-bike services in the state.
“The affected operators should raise the issue before the district road safety committee so that appropriate action can be initiated against erring tourists,” Martins said.
Meanwhile, Goa police DySP (Traffic) Sudesh Narvekar said such complaints are usually handled at local police station level and often do not get escalated further.
He also pointed out that tourists today can easily download digital copies of Aadhaar cards and may not feel the need to collect original documents.
“Operators do not necessarily need to keep original documents. Even photocopies or Aadhaar numbers are sufficient,” Narvekar said.