Digital Goa, July 6 – Majhe Driver App, a platform for Motor Cycle pilots that allows commuters to book bike taxis while enabling pilots to offer ride, food, grocery and parcel delivery services through a single app was launched today. The app, is joint initiative of the Goa Motor Cycle Taxi Rider’s Association and GracefulGoa SuperApp Private Limited. The platform will be available free of cost for all pilots. Launching the app, CM Pramod Sawant said joining the platform would be entirely voluntary for the 2000 odd pilots in Goa, and those who do not wish to use the app can continue operating from their existing taxi stands. In a series of announcements aimed at improving the welfare of motorcycle taxi riders during the launch, Sawant said the government will provide a 50 % subsidy for pilots purchasing new electric two-wheelers. He also announced that for registered pilots above the age of 50 years, the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) will be restarted from August 1, making them eligible for a monthly pension of ₹2,000. To ensure every pilot can access the digital platform, the company behind the App will provide free smartphones to motorcycle taxi riders who do not own one, informed Sawant. CM also issued a strong warning against the illegal use of private motorcycles as bike taxis. He said private vehicles will not be permitted to ferry passengers for hire, and directed the police to take strict action and seize the vehicle. He also said that the government has stopped issuing any more licences for rent-a-car and rent-a-bike services.
