The private cab operators in Goa will hold a ‘mega rally’ on August 17 against the app-based taxi service launched by a state-run agency.

The cab operators have claimed that the ‘GoaMiles’ taxi service, launched last week by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), will destabilise their business.

They have called for a mega rally on August 17 at Pernem town in North Goa district to pressurise the state government to withdraw the permission granted to the app- based taxi service.

“No one demanded the app-based taxis when our traditional cab services are operating without any complaints. The state government has forced this service on us to destabilise the business of private taxi operators,” Morjim Taxi Union president Sanjay Kole told agencies.

Operators of the yellow-and-black private taxi cabs, that run in the beach belt of Keri, Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol, Baga and Calangute in North Goa, met yesterday in Pernem, about 50 km from here, to chalk out their future course of action.

A similar meeting of taxi operators was also held at Saligao, a village near Candolim beach in North Goa, around 20 km from here.

Last week, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had launched the GTDC’s app-based taxi service, which has a fleet of 300-odd taxi operators.

The service was launched amidst protests by the yellow-and-black taxi operators plying from the state’s airport at Dabolim, near Vasco town, about 40 km from here.

When contacted, state tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said the app-based taxi service has been working smoothly.

“If anyone has a problem, the state government will look into it,” he added.