GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Oct 8th 2009 | 7:45 am
#451
I love apathy!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,248
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
As for it not being Blackpool, a cab from my village (UK) to my nearest town which is about SIX miles away, can be provided as a return journey for a SPECIAL PRICE BY THE LOCAL CAB COMPANY OF ONLY £30.00 - Why am I ever going to complain about Goan taxi fares?
H.
Oct 8th 2009 | 7:49 am
#452
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 15
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Never have I heard of any taxi driver in Goa being paid Rps6,000 a month and I know a few. I wouldn't advertise this mate, you will have driver queueing around the block to drive your vehicles.
"Give us a job old pal"
Was you one of the b*ggers that was on strike last year? then stopped the tourists from using the rickshaws and threatened the rickshaw drivers with their live's if they didn't stop trading and supported your pathetic strike.Well you really did your selves a lot of good.No tourist had any sympathy for you.
I don't have any sympathy for you now.
GC
"Give us a job old pal"Was you one of the b*ggers that was on strike last year? then stopped the tourists from using the rickshaws and threatened the rickshaw drivers with their live's if they didn't stop trading and supported your pathetic strike.Well you really did your selves a lot of good.No tourist had any sympathy for you.
I don't have any sympathy for you now.
GC
If you recall correctly, it was the taxi drivers on strike, not the tourist vehicle http://www.bombaynews.net/story/435917
Perhaps you will get your facts straight next time.
Oct 8th 2009 | 7:50 am
#453
Account Closed
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,146
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Well. first of all, I am not a Goan taxi driver (do I sound like one?!) - in fact I am very much British (and, in the Anglo-Saxon sense) and have had a business in Goa for some years.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators. We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators. We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
Your attitude of telling a customer if you have a problem "to just deal with it" ileave a lot to be desired
Me thinks we have another troll on the site folks
GC
Oct 8th 2009 | 7:54 am
#454
Account Closed
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,146
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Well, I reckon I'm better placed to judge labour rates than you are.
If you recall correctly, it was the taxi drivers on strike, not the tourist vehicle http://www.bombaynews.net/story/435917
Perhaps you will get your facts straight next time.
If you recall correctly, it was the taxi drivers on strike, not the tourist vehicle http://www.bombaynews.net/story/435917
Perhaps you will get your facts straight next time.
I believe the thread was about taxi cost not tourist vehicles,so maybe you don't have any call to post,are you touting for business?
GC
Oct 8th 2009 | 8:08 am
#455
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 201
From: Goa/oxford
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Well. first of all, I am not a Goan taxi driver (do I sound like one?!) - in fact I am very much British (and, in the Anglo-Saxon sense) and have had a business in Goa for some years.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
Come on how many taxi's actually are honest enough to keep to the printed rate. If they were there would be no quibbles.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators.
Yes, one way to deal with them. Had a taxi driver for three years, helped the family all the usual crap. He starts to let you down, as he can get higher fares - you drop him - he then sulks. You have the choice, shite on and don't use them again. We gave him another chance fixed fare of 1,000 rups then he wanted to charge at end of trip 1,500. Would rather walk than use him again.
We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
Come on how many taxi's actually are honest enough to keep to the printed rate. If they were there would be no quibbles.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators.
Yes, one way to deal with them. Had a taxi driver for three years, helped the family all the usual crap. He starts to let you down, as he can get higher fares - you drop him - he then sulks. You have the choice, shite on and don't use them again. We gave him another chance fixed fare of 1,000 rups then he wanted to charge at end of trip 1,500. Would rather walk than use him again.
We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
Have you got goan drivers running your business, and are they fleecing YOUmESSED up my answers are in Blue.
Oct 8th 2009 | 8:16 am
#456
A little honey
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 443
From: In the beehive
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Just to clarify............all Goan taxi drivers are scum was the generalisation. There are plenty in the UK that work ludicrous hours for very little income and regularly cleaning sick off their back seats.
Reasoning?
1) the more you use them, the more they try to charge you
2) as soon as they find a mug prepared to pay more than you, they are no longer available
3)they all charge more for an airport pick up than the pre-pay board at Dabolim states
4)they have a limitless list of sob stories in the hope that you will offer financial support
5)they play Bollywood crap on the car stereo at full volume when you and your friends want to chat
6)they never miss a chance to divert your journey to somewhere they will get some form of commission
7)when you learn the language (I have), they slag you off and denigrate you to other locals at every opportunity.
8)their driving "skills" are atrocious, if not dangerous.
Having travelled the world, if I had to generalise on taxi drivers I would say that once you are in their cab, they adopt a certain protective attitude towards you.......at the very least that you are their own specific victim.
But not in Goa......
Reasoning?
1) the more you use them, the more they try to charge you
2) as soon as they find a mug prepared to pay more than you, they are no longer available
3)they all charge more for an airport pick up than the pre-pay board at Dabolim states
4)they have a limitless list of sob stories in the hope that you will offer financial support
5)they play Bollywood crap on the car stereo at full volume when you and your friends want to chat
6)they never miss a chance to divert your journey to somewhere they will get some form of commission
7)when you learn the language (I have), they slag you off and denigrate you to other locals at every opportunity.
8)their driving "skills" are atrocious, if not dangerous.
Having travelled the world, if I had to generalise on taxi drivers I would say that once you are in their cab, they adopt a certain protective attitude towards you.......at the very least that you are their own specific victim.
But not in Goa......
except No. 3 and ours is only 25 rups more to the airport, although if you wanted to haggle you could get there for 500 rups from the taxi stand outside the new Newtons they were desperate for business.
Oct 8th 2009 | 8:17 am
#457
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 15
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
We have a manager and 10 employees including one driver.
Oct 8th 2009 | 9:07 am
#458
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,227
From: Noni the Indian Goan Beach Mulberry
Oct 8th 2009 | 9:34 am
#460
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,680
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Well. first of all, I am not a Goan taxi driver (do I sound like one?!) - in fact I am very much British (and, in the Anglo-Saxon sense) and have had a business in Goa for some years.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators. We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators. We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
Dear Rob 50
Firstly I think your reply was patronising and contained a number of unwarranted insults !
For your information I am very well travelled accross many countries and regions, including some less developed than even India, some where English is neither spoken nor understood, and all of it independantly travelled.
As for 'dealing with it' - I DO and very effectively !
As for your comment of being "mentally ill equipped" I can only presume you are a qualified consultant psychiatrist in making such a comment when you do not know me ! Strangely enough I have a job involving dealing with situations which the average person only encounters in a bloody crime thriller or horror film, and I make decisions daily which affect the lives and deaths of other people - hardly what a 'mentally ill equipped' individual does !
Reply to this however you wish, but I shall not condescend to read it, I have more important threads to read on this site than a barrage of groundless insults.
Dread
Oct 8th 2009 | 9:46 am
#461
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,227
From: Noni the Indian Goan Beach Mulberry
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Everyone is entitled to their opinion - even me but please do not get personal. Whatever you think of the person.
and peace
but please do not get personal. Whatever you think of the person.and peace
Oct 8th 2009 | 9:47 am
#462
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,227
From: Noni the Indian Goan Beach Mulberry
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Dear Rob 50
Firstly I think your reply was patronising and contained a number of unwarranted insults !
For your information I am very well travelled accross many countries and regions, including some less developed than even India, some where English is neither spoken nor understood, and all of it independantly travelled.
As for 'dealing with it' - I DO and very effectively !
As for your comment of being "mentally ill equipped" I can only presume you are a qualified consultant psychiatrist in making such a comment when you do not know me ! Strangely enough I have a job involving dealing with situations which the average person only encounters in a bloody crime thriller or horror film, and I make decisions daily which affect the lives and deaths of other people - hardly what a 'mentally ill equipped' individual does !
Reply to this however you wish, but I shall not condescend to read it, I have more important threads to read on this site than a barrage of groundless insults.
Dread
Firstly I think your reply was patronising and contained a number of unwarranted insults !
For your information I am very well travelled accross many countries and regions, including some less developed than even India, some where English is neither spoken nor understood, and all of it independantly travelled.
As for 'dealing with it' - I DO and very effectively !
As for your comment of being "mentally ill equipped" I can only presume you are a qualified consultant psychiatrist in making such a comment when you do not know me ! Strangely enough I have a job involving dealing with situations which the average person only encounters in a bloody crime thriller or horror film, and I make decisions daily which affect the lives and deaths of other people - hardly what a 'mentally ill equipped' individual does !
Reply to this however you wish, but I shall not condescend to read it, I have more important threads to read on this site than a barrage of groundless insults.
Dread
Oct 8th 2009 | 9:53 am
#463
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 473
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Well. first of all, I am not a Goan taxi driver (do I sound like one?!) - in fact I am very much British (and, in the Anglo-Saxon sense) and have had a business in Goa for some years.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators. We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
You are obviously not familiar with the fact that all tourist vehicles should have the rate printed on the dashboard or in the glove compartment By the RTO (Road Traffic Office - it's in Patto Plaza in Panjim). There is a minimum charge of Rs. 150.
I think that you have been unlucky in your experiences with cabs in Goa, but you seem to be mentally ill-equipped for dealing with these sharp operators. We all know this sort of thing happens everywhere - perhaps you should travel elsewhere in India or anywhere else on the subcontinent before you think it's any different here. As I said - you agree a fare beforehand and that's all you pay, and if there's a problem, just deal with it. It's not Blackpool, although maybe that's how you would like it to be.
I do not think it is wise of you to assume that persons on this site have not travelled widely in India, and worldwide. They are generally alert to what you call 'sharp operators', and take it as a given for a hassle free journey that occasional rip offs occur. Systematic fleecing over years, brazen lies and deception are altogether in a different league of cheating; it is persistant, opportunistic and grossly repulsive to all customers, Indian or otherwise.
Luck does not enter the equation (e.g. taxi driver + ability to drive said taxi + regular repeat custom + regular overcharge + unnecessary tip + sob story about hard times and brother in law needing cash up front for life saving operation + I can take you anywhere, tours 'cheaper than chips' + 'business not good, maybe you help me with bank loan' + Kashmiri Carpet Emporium kick back diversion does not = fair, honest and consistent business practice, or even a decent person; your 'best mate' (season time only) who won't send out any one of his fleet of taxis in the monsoon when it's lashing down, red laterite bodywash on you walking home, and them all wrapped up watching DVD's and conspiring scams for the forthcoming 'gora cheating season'.
It is well known that many taxis, which are now far too many in number and too aggresive and deceptive in their practices are leased to the 'owners' through vote-bank tied loans from prominent politicians/mafia (same thing) , family ties, and cash strapped entreprenuers. The majority are now sub-sub-sub let so that the actual financier of the vehicle, or the 'registered owner' are at many steps of distance from the person who actually drives the taxi.
Perhaps that is one explanation why cheating on fares is endemic, and it rarely matters how long you have known your driver or his relatives (who were once humble taxi drivers themselves -and more honest - in less greedy times). The new God of consumerism as marketed in India through access to global TV, and the desire to ape Western 'aspirations' (many of which have failed) has a lot to answer for.
I am at odds to understand the relevance of your reference to Blackpool. If you were trying to say that Goa is nearing a worldwide perception as the Asian 'Kiss Me Quick' downmarket equivalent of how Blackpool was once perceived, you are on the right track (coastal Goa is without doubt incresingly tacky), except that in Blackpool there are trading standards, race discrimination legislation, hospitals, sanitation, continuous electricity supply, emergency rescue services, metered fares, fixed prices for all in shops, etc., etc....
Good luck.
P.S. In South Goa, the taxi drivers blockaded resort hotels because 'tour operators' were taking many more people on their larger vehicles; thus the rush to buy thes road blocking roof racked people carriers by previous owners of Maruti taxis. Further, some tour operators, mainly Russians, dared to operate 'tourist trips' from these resorts. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that the russians preferred to have the wonders of Goa explained to them in their native languages and the tour guides were well clued up about the need for regular vodka stops.
Cartels, which means 'blockades' by any other description also operate throughout the North of the Goan coastal belt. There's a lot of money to be made there!!!!, especially from unsuspecting charters who can't convert dollars or pounds to rupees and fail to recognise they are fuelling an already inflationary local economy ; 'putting out fire with gasoline'. D.B
All said, we have a mobile phone full of 'taxi contacts' but there is one who stands out as reliable and we obviously pay him too much, but would rather put any excess in his pocket, and he'll be there waiting at Dabolim for however long it takes our usually late flight from Mumbai (or our overnight train arrival at Tivim).
Last edited by babu1; Oct 8th 2009 at 10:24 am.
Oct 8th 2009 | 10:58 am
#464
Account Closed
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,146
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Indeed most Omni/Maruti cabs have their fares painted on the dashboard, though they do not adhere to these (unless you are a local, in which case you are probably now rich enough to travel in your own car(s) with driver -taxis are irrelevant; spendthrift enough to induldge in an auto rickshaw - which is also good for carrying goods, and a good old Goan 'tamasha' at point of arrival regards the unmetered fare - or wise and patient enough to make good use of public transport. I am not aware of this 150R/- minimum journey charge. Please verify.
I do not think it is wise of you to assume that persons on this site have not travelled widely in India, and worldwide. They are generally alert to what you call 'sharp operators', and take it as a given for a hassle free journey that occasional rip offs occur. Systematic fleecing over years, brazen lies and deception are altogether in a different league of cheating; it is persistant, opportunistic and grossly repulsive to all customers, Indian or otherwise.
Luck does not enter the equation (e.g. taxi driver + ability to drive said taxi + regular repeat custom + regular overcharge + unnecessary tip + sob story about hard times and brother in law needing cash up front for life saving operation + I can take you anywhere, tours 'cheaper than chips' + 'business not good, maybe you help me with bank loan' + Kashmiri Carpet Emporium kick back diversion does not = fair, honest and consistent business practice, or even a decent person; your 'best mate' (season time only) who won't send out any one of his fleet of taxis in the monsoon when it's lashing down, red laterite bodywash on you walking home, and them all wrapped up watching DVD's and conspiring scams for the forthcoming 'gora cheating season'.
It is well known that many taxis, which are now far too many in number and too aggresive and deceptive in their practices are leased to the 'owners' through vote-bank tied loans from prominent politicians/mafia (same thing) , family ties, and cash strapped entreprenuers. The majority are now sub-sub-sub let so that the actual financier of the vehicle, or the 'registered owner' are at many steps of distance from the person who actually drives the taxi.
Perhaps that is one explanation why cheating on fares is endemic, and it rarely matters how long you have known your driver or his relatives (who were once humble taxi drivers themselves -and more honest - in less greedy times). The new God of consumerism as marketed in India through access to global TV, and the desire to ape Western 'aspirations' (many of which have failed) has a lot to answer for.
I am at odds to understand the relevance of your reference to Blackpool. If you were trying to say that Goa is nearing a worldwide perception as the Asian 'Kiss Me Quick' downmarket equivalent of how Blackpool was once perceived, you are on the right track (coastal Goa is without doubt incresingly tacky), except that in Blackpool there are trading standards, race discrimination legislation, hospitals, sanitation, continuous electricity supply, emergency rescue services, metered fares, fixed prices for all in shops, etc., etc....
Good luck.
P.S. In South Goa, the taxi drivers blockaded resort hotels because 'tour operators' were taking many more people on their larger vehicles; thus the rush to buy thes road blocking roof racked people carriers by previous owners of Maruti taxis. Further, some tour operators, mainly Russians, dared to operate 'tourist trips' from these resorts. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that the russians preferred to have the wonders of Goa explained to them in their native languages and the tour guides were well clued up about the need for regular vodka stops.
Cartels, which means 'blockades' by any other description also operate throughout the North of the Goan coastal belt. There's a lot of money to be made there!!!!, especially from unsuspecting charters who can't convert dollars or pounds to rupees and fail to recognise they are fuelling an already inflationary local economy ; 'putting out fire with gasoline'. D.B
All said, we have a mobile phone full of 'taxi contacts' but there is one who stands out as reliable and we obviously pay him too much, but would rather put any excess in his pocket, and he'll be there waiting at Dabolim for however long it takes our usually late flight from Mumbai (or our overnight train arrival at Tivim).
I do not think it is wise of you to assume that persons on this site have not travelled widely in India, and worldwide. They are generally alert to what you call 'sharp operators', and take it as a given for a hassle free journey that occasional rip offs occur. Systematic fleecing over years, brazen lies and deception are altogether in a different league of cheating; it is persistant, opportunistic and grossly repulsive to all customers, Indian or otherwise.
Luck does not enter the equation (e.g. taxi driver + ability to drive said taxi + regular repeat custom + regular overcharge + unnecessary tip + sob story about hard times and brother in law needing cash up front for life saving operation + I can take you anywhere, tours 'cheaper than chips' + 'business not good, maybe you help me with bank loan' + Kashmiri Carpet Emporium kick back diversion does not = fair, honest and consistent business practice, or even a decent person; your 'best mate' (season time only) who won't send out any one of his fleet of taxis in the monsoon when it's lashing down, red laterite bodywash on you walking home, and them all wrapped up watching DVD's and conspiring scams for the forthcoming 'gora cheating season'.
It is well known that many taxis, which are now far too many in number and too aggresive and deceptive in their practices are leased to the 'owners' through vote-bank tied loans from prominent politicians/mafia (same thing) , family ties, and cash strapped entreprenuers. The majority are now sub-sub-sub let so that the actual financier of the vehicle, or the 'registered owner' are at many steps of distance from the person who actually drives the taxi.
Perhaps that is one explanation why cheating on fares is endemic, and it rarely matters how long you have known your driver or his relatives (who were once humble taxi drivers themselves -and more honest - in less greedy times). The new God of consumerism as marketed in India through access to global TV, and the desire to ape Western 'aspirations' (many of which have failed) has a lot to answer for.
I am at odds to understand the relevance of your reference to Blackpool. If you were trying to say that Goa is nearing a worldwide perception as the Asian 'Kiss Me Quick' downmarket equivalent of how Blackpool was once perceived, you are on the right track (coastal Goa is without doubt incresingly tacky), except that in Blackpool there are trading standards, race discrimination legislation, hospitals, sanitation, continuous electricity supply, emergency rescue services, metered fares, fixed prices for all in shops, etc., etc....
Good luck.
P.S. In South Goa, the taxi drivers blockaded resort hotels because 'tour operators' were taking many more people on their larger vehicles; thus the rush to buy thes road blocking roof racked people carriers by previous owners of Maruti taxis. Further, some tour operators, mainly Russians, dared to operate 'tourist trips' from these resorts. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that the russians preferred to have the wonders of Goa explained to them in their native languages and the tour guides were well clued up about the need for regular vodka stops.
Cartels, which means 'blockades' by any other description also operate throughout the North of the Goan coastal belt. There's a lot of money to be made there!!!!, especially from unsuspecting charters who can't convert dollars or pounds to rupees and fail to recognise they are fuelling an already inflationary local economy ; 'putting out fire with gasoline'. D.B
All said, we have a mobile phone full of 'taxi contacts' but there is one who stands out as reliable and we obviously pay him too much, but would rather put any excess in his pocket, and he'll be there waiting at Dabolim for however long it takes our usually late flight from Mumbai (or our overnight train arrival at Tivim).
Very nicely put Babu as always
GC
Oct 8th 2009 | 12:37 pm
#465
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,680
Re: GOSSIP AND CHIT CHAT
Indeed most Omni/Maruti cabs have their fares painted on the dashboard, though they do not adhere to these (unless you are a local, in which case you are probably now rich enough to travel in your own car(s) with driver -taxis are irrelevant; spendthrift enough to induldge in an auto rickshaw - which is also good for carrying goods, and a good old Goan 'tamasha' at point of arrival regards the unmetered fare - or wise and patient enough to make good use of public transport. I am not aware of this 150R/- minimum journey charge. Please verify.
I do not think it is wise of you to assume that persons on this site have not travelled widely in India, and worldwide. They are generally alert to what you call 'sharp operators', and take it as a given for a hassle free journey that occasional rip offs occur. Systematic fleecing over years, brazen lies and deception are altogether in a different league of cheating; it is persistant, opportunistic and grossly repulsive to all customers, Indian or otherwise.
Luck does not enter the equation (e.g. taxi driver + ability to drive said taxi + regular repeat custom + regular overcharge + unnecessary tip + sob story about hard times and brother in law needing cash up front for life saving operation + I can take you anywhere, tours 'cheaper than chips' + 'business not good, maybe you help me with bank loan' + Kashmiri Carpet Emporium kick back diversion does not = fair, honest and consistent business practice, or even a decent person; your 'best mate' (season time only) who won't send out any one of his fleet of taxis in the monsoon when it's lashing down, red laterite bodywash on you walking home, and them all wrapped up watching DVD's and conspiring scams for the forthcoming 'gora cheating season'.
It is well known that many taxis, which are now far too many in number and too aggresive and deceptive in their practices are leased to the 'owners' through vote-bank tied loans from prominent politicians/mafia (same thing) , family ties, and cash strapped entreprenuers. The majority are now sub-sub-sub let so that the actual financier of the vehicle, or the 'registered owner' are at many steps of distance from the person who actually drives the taxi.
Perhaps that is one explanation why cheating on fares is endemic, and it rarely matters how long you have known your driver or his relatives (who were once humble taxi drivers themselves -and more honest - in less greedy times). The new God of consumerism as marketed in India through access to global TV, and the desire to ape Western 'aspirations' (many of which have failed) has a lot to answer for.
I am at odds to understand the relevance of your reference to Blackpool. If you were trying to say that Goa is nearing a worldwide perception as the Asian 'Kiss Me Quick' downmarket equivalent of how Blackpool was once perceived, you are on the right track (coastal Goa is without doubt incresingly tacky), except that in Blackpool there are trading standards, race discrimination legislation, hospitals, sanitation, continuous electricity supply, emergency rescue services, metered fares, fixed prices for all in shops, etc., etc....
Good luck.
P.S. In South Goa, the taxi drivers blockaded resort hotels because 'tour operators' were taking many more people on their larger vehicles; thus the rush to buy thes road blocking roof racked people carriers by previous owners of Maruti taxis. Further, some tour operators, mainly Russians, dared to operate 'tourist trips' from these resorts. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that the russians preferred to have the wonders of Goa explained to them in their native languages and the tour guides were well clued up about the need for regular vodka stops.
Cartels, which means 'blockades' by any other description also operate throughout the North of the Goan coastal belt. There's a lot of money to be made there!!!!, especially from unsuspecting charters who can't convert dollars or pounds to rupees and fail to recognise they are fuelling an already inflationary local economy ; 'putting out fire with gasoline'. D.B
All said, we have a mobile phone full of 'taxi contacts' but there is one who stands out as reliable and we obviously pay him too much, but would rather put any excess in his pocket, and he'll be there waiting at Dabolim for however long it takes our usually late flight from Mumbai (or our overnight train arrival at Tivim).
I do not think it is wise of you to assume that persons on this site have not travelled widely in India, and worldwide. They are generally alert to what you call 'sharp operators', and take it as a given for a hassle free journey that occasional rip offs occur. Systematic fleecing over years, brazen lies and deception are altogether in a different league of cheating; it is persistant, opportunistic and grossly repulsive to all customers, Indian or otherwise.
Luck does not enter the equation (e.g. taxi driver + ability to drive said taxi + regular repeat custom + regular overcharge + unnecessary tip + sob story about hard times and brother in law needing cash up front for life saving operation + I can take you anywhere, tours 'cheaper than chips' + 'business not good, maybe you help me with bank loan' + Kashmiri Carpet Emporium kick back diversion does not = fair, honest and consistent business practice, or even a decent person; your 'best mate' (season time only) who won't send out any one of his fleet of taxis in the monsoon when it's lashing down, red laterite bodywash on you walking home, and them all wrapped up watching DVD's and conspiring scams for the forthcoming 'gora cheating season'.
It is well known that many taxis, which are now far too many in number and too aggresive and deceptive in their practices are leased to the 'owners' through vote-bank tied loans from prominent politicians/mafia (same thing) , family ties, and cash strapped entreprenuers. The majority are now sub-sub-sub let so that the actual financier of the vehicle, or the 'registered owner' are at many steps of distance from the person who actually drives the taxi.
Perhaps that is one explanation why cheating on fares is endemic, and it rarely matters how long you have known your driver or his relatives (who were once humble taxi drivers themselves -and more honest - in less greedy times). The new God of consumerism as marketed in India through access to global TV, and the desire to ape Western 'aspirations' (many of which have failed) has a lot to answer for.
I am at odds to understand the relevance of your reference to Blackpool. If you were trying to say that Goa is nearing a worldwide perception as the Asian 'Kiss Me Quick' downmarket equivalent of how Blackpool was once perceived, you are on the right track (coastal Goa is without doubt incresingly tacky), except that in Blackpool there are trading standards, race discrimination legislation, hospitals, sanitation, continuous electricity supply, emergency rescue services, metered fares, fixed prices for all in shops, etc., etc....
Good luck.
P.S. In South Goa, the taxi drivers blockaded resort hotels because 'tour operators' were taking many more people on their larger vehicles; thus the rush to buy thes road blocking roof racked people carriers by previous owners of Maruti taxis. Further, some tour operators, mainly Russians, dared to operate 'tourist trips' from these resorts. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that the russians preferred to have the wonders of Goa explained to them in their native languages and the tour guides were well clued up about the need for regular vodka stops.
Cartels, which means 'blockades' by any other description also operate throughout the North of the Goan coastal belt. There's a lot of money to be made there!!!!, especially from unsuspecting charters who can't convert dollars or pounds to rupees and fail to recognise they are fuelling an already inflationary local economy ; 'putting out fire with gasoline'. D.B
All said, we have a mobile phone full of 'taxi contacts' but there is one who stands out as reliable and we obviously pay him too much, but would rather put any excess in his pocket, and he'll be there waiting at Dabolim for however long it takes our usually late flight from Mumbai (or our overnight train arrival at Tivim).
Hi Babu
Beautifully written, and thank you, I feel supported in my response to that persons post.
Dread
x
