Panaji

Goa's iconic two-wheeler taxi service, popularly known as "motorcycle pilots", has gone digital with the state government on Monday launching a mobile application that allows commuters to locate and book rides online.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the 'Mhaje Driver App', bringing the Portuguese-era mode of transport onto a technology-driven platform.

The application enables commuters to locate the nearest motorcycle pilot and book a ride before he reaches the pickup point, popularly known as "pilot stands" in the coastal state.

Sawant said the initiative would make the service more convenient for passengers while also helping motorcycle pilots increase their earnings by expanding their customer base.

Motorcycle pilots, a unique feature of Goa's public transport system, provide pillion rides on motorcycles and have remained a popular mode of transport, particularly in areas where other public transport options are limited, he said.

Sawant praised the motorcycle pilots for providing "incident-free service".

"Even today, parents trust motorcycle pilots to drop and pick up their children from school. There has not been a single incident of motorcycle pilots misbehaving with customers," he said.

Motorcycle pilots don't need to register on the app, as it is provisional, he clarified, adding that pilots who do not have smartphones would be provided with one by the app operator.

The chief minister further said that pilots don't have to pay anything to be on the app.

"The tariff charged for the customer will remain the same, and will be directly collected by the pilot. There should not be any confusion about it," he said.

Sawant said that the state government is also toying with the idea of providing e-bikes to pilots at a 50 per cent subsidy.

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He said that the state government will also reintroduce a pension scheme for pilots who have completed 50 years in the profession.