Porvorim, August 5: RTI activist Sudip Narayan Tamankar has submitted a representation to the Director of Transport, Government of Goa, urging the State Transport Authority (STA) to reconsider and withdraw its decision to stop the renewal of franchise model Rent-a-Cab permits once vehicles complete 12 years of age.

In the representation dated August 5, 2026, Tamankar, claiming to represent affected Rent-a-Cab permit holders operating under the Rent-a-Cab Scheme, 1989, has sought the reversal of the decision taken during the STA meeting held on March 19, 2025. According to the representation, the decision bars renewal of franchise model permits after 12 years and restricts vehicle replacement within the same 12-year period.

The representation argues that the decision violates the principles of natural justice as it was allegedly taken without consulting stakeholders or providing affected operators an opportunity to be heard. It contends that such a decision, having significant economic consequences, should have been preceded by public consultation.

Tamankar has also questioned the legality of the decision, stating that it is inconsistent with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. He has cited Section 81, which provides for renewal of permits subject to statutory conditions, and Section 59, arguing that only the Central Government has the authority to prescribe age limits for motor vehicles on safety and environmental grounds.

The representation further refers to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, stating that commercial vehicles are legally permitted to operate as long as they possess a valid Certificate of Fitness. It argues that denying permit renewal solely on the basis of vehicle age undermines the statutory fitness certification system.

Highlighting the humanitarian aspect, the representation states that the policy has created uncertainty for thousands of local youth and small-scale operators who depend on Rent-a-Cab services for their livelihood. It claims many permit holders have purchased vehicles through commercial bank loans and that discontinuing permit renewals would severely impact their ability to repay those loans.

The memorandum also points to a mismatch between the 12-year permit limit and the financing cycle for commercial vehicles. It states that operators replacing vehicles in the 10th year would be left with only two years of permit validity despite having loan repayment periods extending up to seven years, increasing the risk of financial distress and loan defaults.

Tamankar has urged the State Transport Authority to:

Reconsider and revoke the March 19, 2025 decision on non-renewal of franchise model permits after 12 years.

Allow regular renewal of Rent-a-Cab permits for vehicles older than 12 years, subject to possession of a valid Certificate of Fitness.

Maintain the status quo until an open consultation is held with Rent-a-Cab Associations in Goa.

The representation appeals to the Transport Department to review the policy in the interest of protecting the livelihood of Rent-a-Cab operators and ensuring that any future decision is taken after consultation with all stakeholders.