Panaji, Mar 15 (TOI): To provide efficient and transparent services to citizens and tourists, the state transport authority is likely to implement guidelines for smooth conduct of radio taxi and app aggregator businesses.

Under the guidelines, which have been published in the official gazette, any existing or new radio taxi or app-based cab service will have to seek the transport authority’s permission to operate and manage such services in the state from the date specified by the government. The notification defines ‘taxi app system’ as a “mobile and web-based application for hailing of taxis”.

Transport director Nikhil Desai said the guidelines were necessitated to monitor compliance with all regulatory framework. He added that special focus was placed on safety, security and curbing fly by night operators.

The guidelines are based on the report of a committee constituted by Union ministry of road transport to promote urban mobility.