Pilots of Goa

Entering into Panjim,bus-stand you will notice yellow and black motorbikes all in a row. These are the Goan pilots.

Goa has a very unique geographic constrain and it is further handicapped with very poor public transport system. But obstacles as usual are overcome and here the visionary entrepreneur is the local  Goan.

Asking and giving lifts were a way of life until the influx of the Konkan Railway immigrants.

Then are the “Pilots” or the two-wheeler taxi’s which are very convenient if you are a single passenger. Since they are licensed they are safe to travel with. Many senior citizens tend to book pilots on routine basis.

Then are the owners of two wheelers who give their bikes out on rent. These are the upgraded version of rent your bicycle. Bikes are usually black with yellow registration numbers.

The charges for tourists are different they also need to submit their license for verification and a photocopy of it is filed with the person who rents the two-wheeler out. The bike is given on rent with a litre of petrol and the rest is for the user to top up.

For locals the rate is rs.250/- for 24hrs off-season.

If you are a regular customer concessions with monthly payment facility is also available. The vehicle owner also provides you the helmet if required.

The onus of maintaining the bike is the owners so it really works great.

The rent a bike guys are a unique tourist attraction of Goa like their equally unique pilot siblings.