Panaji: Motorcycle pilots from Margao on Tuesday urged govt to reconsider the rollout of the Mhaje App, scheduled for launch on Aug 1, saying it could threaten the livelihoods of Goan riders.A delegation of pilots met GFP chief and Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai to raise concerns over the app-based platform. They said many senior riders are not comfortable using smartphones and feared they would have to return empty after dropping passengers in hinterland areas where bookings may not be available.The riders also expressed apprehension that if there are not enough local pilots in certain areas, operators from outside Goa could fill the gap. “Goans will be sidelined in an industry that is traditionally Goan. This is unacceptable,” pilot Alex Albuquerque said.Supporting their demand, Sardesai said pilots should be protected like other traditional occupations.“Much like rent-a-cabs ruined the taxi trade, this platform will ruin pilot services. I appeal to govt to protect its citizens,” he said.Meanwhile, the directorate of transport issued a public notice inviting private stage carriage bus owners to enrol in the Mhaji Bus Scheme, which is also scheduled to be implemented across Goa from Aug 1. Transport director Arvind Khutkar said application forms and the list of required documents are available on the department’s website.
