Goa Tourism has launched its women&rsquos taxi service, making this one of the few states in India to have taxis driven by women and for women passengers. Goa Tourism took this step to cater to women tourists &ndash especially those travelling solo &ndash and female residents in Goa. In the past, the issue of bad taxi services has often threatened to hamper the progress of tourism in Goa. At the launch of the service, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar urged private cab companies to hire more women as drivers, creating jobs and promoting tourist safety. He also said that Goa &ldquomust go for 100 per cent metering in all taxis&rdquo. Metering, said the chief minister, would protect tourists from being fleeced by unruly taxi drivers.

The female drivers of the Goa Tourism women&rsquos taxi service are trained in self-defence and first-aid, and have knowledge of tourist spots, thus doubling as tourist guides to their passengers, if needed. The drivers are groomed in basic etiquette, personal hygiene and customer relations. The women&rsquos taxis are equipped with GPS monitoring system that supports a panic alert button backed by the main taxi operation office. To begin with, 10 brand new air-conditioned taxis are available for journeys to and from the Goa airport, hotels, railway stations and bus terminals. The number of taxis will be increased based on demand. The taxi fares are government approved. Call centre number 0832-2437437.

Other features

• Display of driver identity on the dashboard

• Electronic fare meters with digital receipt print-outs

• Fare payment option through card / cash

• Portable fire extinguishers and first-aid kit

• Monitoring of cab movement at all times by the central control room

• Emergency panic button in the cab

• Prominent display of emergency contact numbers