- A German vlogger faced harassment from local drivers in Patnem, Goa for booking an app cab
- Rickshaw drivers demanded Rs 500, while GoaMiles app charged Rs 300 for the same distance
- The vlogger paid the fine and highlighted local resistance to ride-sharing apps undercutting fares
Recently, a German travel vlogger visiting Goa took to social media to share a troubling experience related to local transport in the area. Local drivers at Patnem allegedly harassed him and his partner, a woman, for booking an app-based cab. The vlogger, Alex Welder, uploaded a video on Instagram recording the incident. He claimed that while a rickshaw driver demanded Rs 500 for a ride, the same distance cost Rs 300 when booked on the GoaMiles app. The local rickshaw operators apparently followed Alex and the woman.
Also Read: Flight Passenger Opens Unattended Bag At Goa Airport, Discovers Cash Bundle Inside
When the GoaMiles driver arrived to pick them up, he asked the travellers to cover the vehicle's number plate. The reason? He feared that the rickshaw drivers were secretly filming them. "What's the problem with them?" Alex asked his app-based taxi driver. "Anytime we say we are ordering from GoaMiles, they say 'it's not allowed here', but you can actually order the cab on the app, so obviously it's allowed," he stated.
Adding to the ordeal, their cab was allegedly stopped by the police. Alex Welder admitted that although he failed to discover the actual problem, he understood that the police had fined their driver Rs 500. Concluding the video, the German traveller said, "I can understand that the issue that people have with these ride-sharing apps pretty much undercutting the local prices... Eventually, I paid the Rs 500 fine for the driver, and maybe someone can help me understand what was going on. That situation obviously doesn't make any sense."
Disclaimer: NDTV does not vouch for the claims in the post by the Instagram user.
In the comments, many people shared similar experiences in Goa and echoed the vlogger's sentiments.
Although Alex Welder had a negative experience with booking cabs, his other videos suggest that other aspects of Goa charmed him. For instance, his post about South Goa showed how impressed he was with its vibe. Calling Galgibaga Beach one of the "cleanest places" in India, the traveller shared that it felt like he was strolling through a European destination. He also spotted a turtle nesting area in the area. Watch his viral video here.
Also Read: How To Explore Goa On A Budget Of Rs 10,000: Comprehensive Guide To Stay, Food And Travel
