Passengers using app-based auto services are expressing growing frustration, claiming they pay as much as, or even more than, regular street fares. During peak hours, drivers allegedly accept bookings only if customers add a tip, which can range from ₹10 to ₹80. Some even demand extra cash upon arrival at the destination.
Mobile apps flash messages such as:
📌 “Adding a tip might help increase the chances of getting a ride faster.”
📌 “Set a price that works for you.”
📌 “A driver may be more likely to accept this ride if you add a tip.”
Passengers feel aggregators are enabling a new surge pricing model. Niharika B., a commuter, shared her ordeal: “I tried booking an auto from Residency Road to Bellandur at ₹296. After multiple failed attempts, I added a ₹50 tip—only then did a driver accept the ride.”
Sushmitha Harish, a daily rider from Ramamurthy Nagar to Byappanahalli Metro, noted her usual ₹75 fare has jumped to ₹110-₹120. “If apps charge double, why not bargain with an auto driver directly?” she questioned.
Navneeth J. and Shriman Sharma echoed similar complaints, emphasizing that peak-hour rides seem impossible without tipping.
Transport Commissioner Yogesh AM stated the department has no say in tipping policies but is considering regulating autos under aggregator rules.
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