Ride-hailing platforms have begun dialing down their advance tipping requests after public backlash and government intervention. The pushback began when Union Minister Pralhad Joshi flagged the practice of asking for tips before rides started, calling it “exploitative” and urging the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to investigate.

In response, apps like Namma Yatri and Ola have now added a subtle but significant change to their booking screens — the word “Voluntary” now accompanies the advance tip option. This shift, though small, has helped ease user discomfort.

Commuters say the change matters. Priya Srisha from Indiranagar shared, “It felt unfair to be asked for a tip before the driver even showed up. But that little ‘voluntary’ label now clears the air — I no longer feel pressured.”

Suresh R, a Bellandur resident, added, “Earlier, I feared not tipping would affect my ride. But now Ola makes it clear that tipping is optional. Uber hasn’t added the word ‘voluntary’ yet, but I notice the prompt appears less frequently.”

Uber, which hasn’t publicly responded, is under scrutiny. The CCPA has officially sent a notice to the company, demanding an explanation for its tip prompts. Joshi emphasized on X that tipping should be a gesture of gratitude — not a forced pre-condition.

He further confirmed that other apps are being investigated and may face similar action if found guilty of similar practices.