Panaji: Seventy-four-year-old Isaac Sayed’s day starts with namaz at pre-dawn, after which he starts his yellow-black motorcycle and heads to the busy streets of Margao, just as he has done for more than five decades. He spends long hours riding through the heat and traffic in search of passengers. Despite over 55 years in the profession, financial pressures are greater now than ever before, as the rise in fuel prices by Rs 3 per litre has affected the earnings of motorcycle pilots across Goa.There are nearly 1,500 motorcycle pilots operating across the state, and in future the petrol two-wheelers may be replaced by EVs.“When I started in 1969, I would charge only Rs 8 for a trip from Margao to Ponda,” he told TOI. “Today the same journey costs around Rs 400, but even then, we are struggling because petrol prices have gone up so much.”Daily petrol costs for the pilots now touch nearly Rs 400, eating into a large share of their income when juxtaposed against earnings of around Rs 20 per km.“People hesitate even if we charge one or two rupees extra. But fuel prices keep rising,” said another pilot from the Panaji bus terminus.Much before the advent of app-based two-wheeler taxi services, Goa’s motorcycle pilots were known for providing last-mile connectivity in areas where buses or taxis were not easily available. Since the rides were generally much cheaper than traditional four-wheeler taxis or auto-rickshaws, motorcycle pilots were also popular among tourists before rent-a-bikes came into being. However, many in the profession say they were already facing an uncertain future due to competition from rent-a-bikes and a lack of interest among the youth in taking up the profession.Now, the fuel price rise has only added to the pressure.Suresh Thakur, president of the All Goa Motorcycle Pilots Association, said fuel price hikes have added to the strain on riders across the state.“The burden has increased for everyone. Many riders are finding it difficult to sustain their earnings. There is no relief from govt,” he said.Thakur said the association has been discussing long-term alternatives, including proposals to introduce electric motorcycles for pilots in Goa. According to him, electric vehicles could help reduce operational costs significantly, especially as petrol prices continue to fluctuate.“There have been discussions about bringing electric bikes for pilots. We may tie up with entrepreneurs engaged in CSR, but we are still at the ideation stage,” he said.
