“Pilots,” are the men who ride the iconic motorcycle taxis, a charming relic of the past that has seamlessly integrated into the present, making them a nostalgic yet practical mode of transportation in Goa. Learn all about the history and grab a ride yourself on your Globe Aware volunteer vacation in India!

Riding into Goa’s Past and Present: The Tale of Bike Taxi

By Walwyn D’ Souza
31 Aug 2024
O HERALDO

In Goa, where the sun kisses the earth with a golden hue, and the salty breeze carries tales of old, there lies a peculiar breed of individuals. They are not just riders; they are ‘Pilots.’ No, they don’t fly planes, but they certainly navigate the streets with the same precision and pride. These are the men who ride the iconic motorcycle taxis, a mode of transportation that has become as synonymous with Goa as its beaches and vibrant culture.

Bike taxis in Goa are a charming relic of the past that has seamlessly integrated into the present, making them a nostalgic yet practical mode of transportation. The story of these two-wheeled chariots dates back to 1981, when Goa became the first state in India to legalise motorcycles as commercial vehicles. Before then, the scene was a bit of a wild west—anyone with a motorbike could stand by a busy corner and offer a ride for a price. But as with all things, a little order was needed in the chaos, and thus, the Goa Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association (GMTRA) was born.

The ‘Pilots’, as these riders are affectionately known, have always had a special place in the hearts of Goans and tourists alike. Picture this: it’s a sunny day, the kind that makes you want to hide under a palm tree with a chilled drink. But you’ve got errands to run, places to be. There, you have the ‘Pilot.’ A quick beep of the horn, a nod of the helmeted head, and you’re off, zipping through narrow lanes and busy markets, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face.

There’s something inherently romantic and adventurous about hopping onto the back of a bike taxi. Perhaps it’s the sense of freedom, the thrill of the open road, or maybe it’s the realisation that you’re partaking in a tradition that’s been around for over four decades. These ‘Pilots’ aren’t just riders; they are storytellers, guides, and, more often than not, lifesavers.

In the old days, a ‘Pilot’ would wait in the merciless Goan sun, his bike gleaming under the rays, or sometimes, he would be drenched in the monsoon rains, his spirits as damp as his clothes. But all that changed recently when a new premise of KTCL Motorcycle Taxi stand was inaugurated, giving these ‘Easy Riders’ a place to rest their bikes and themselves. No longer do they have to seek shelter under a tree or in the shadow of a building; now they have a home at the Kadamba Bus Stand, a salute to the enduring legacy of bike taxis in Goa.

These motorcycle taxis aren’t just a quirky mode of transport; they are a lifeline for many. Most of these ‘Pilots’ come from modest backgrounds, and for many, this is the only job they’ve ever known. Imagine the life of a man in his late 40s, who has spent more than half his life riding through the winding roads of Goa, ferrying passengers from one end to the other. He might have tried his hand at construction once, but the erratic pay and long hours under the sun weren’t his cup of tea. So he turned to the bike, and now he’s his own boss, making a decent living while doing what he loves.

Another might have been a carpenter, his hands once skilled in the art of shaping wood into beautiful furniture. But as the world moved on to ready-made, flat-pack alternatives, he found himself out of work. The bike taxi offered him a way out, a means to support his family and stay connected to the community.

The bond between a ‘Pilot’ and his customers is a special one. In a tight-knit place like Goa, where everyone seems to know everyone, loyalty is a currency that’s valued highly. Many ‘Pilots’ have their regulars, customers who call them whenever they need to run errands, visit a friend, or make a quick trip to the market. And these ‘Pilots’ deliver, not just on time but with the added assurance of safety. It’s a trust that’s been built over years of reliable service, and it’s something that no app-based service can replicate.

Of course, like any other profession, the world of bike taxis has its challenges. Today, the streets of Goa see many “illegal” pilots—riders who operate without the necessary permits, undercutting the long-standing members of the association. It’s a problem that needs addressing, but it also speaks to the enduring appeal of this mode of transport. Despite the challenges, bike taxis remain a beloved part of Goa’s cultural landscape, a symbol of the state’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

As you drive through the streets of Goa, you can’t help but notice the rows of motorcycles lined up at every main street crossing. The riders stand by their bikes with a nonchalant air, their expressions as fixed as the flowers, crucifixes and tassels that adorn their handlebars. They are the ‘Easy Riders’ of Goa, and they are here to stay.

So, if you are in Goa, and in need of a quick ride, skip the car and hail a ‘Pilot’ instead. Not only will you reach your destination in style, but you’ll also be riding into a piece of Goan history—a history that’s still very much alive and kicking, one bike at a time.