Food delivery platforms are facing backlash for levying additional charges like “Weather Surcharge,” “Traffic Surge,” and “Platform Fee,” which are inflating order totals and frustrating users. While these fees may seem justifiable during adverse weather or heavy traffic, users are upset that they apply even under normal conditions—and premium subscribers aren’t spared either.

Users have reported being charged “Rain Surge” fees despite clear skies. A Bengaluru resident humorously noted on X, “It’s not even drizzling but Zomato has had rain surge fees for the last four hours. What next—traffic surge at 1am?”

Zomato responded promptly, requesting the customer’s details via direct message for resolution. The company had earlier informed its Gold members that, from May 16, rain surge fee waivers would no longer be included in their subscription benefits. Swiggy’s Swiggy One users have also experienced similar charges, suggesting that no membership tier is immune.

This dissatisfaction comes as bike-taxi platform Rapido readies its entry into the food delivery arena with “Ownly,” a budget-friendly alternative. As per a CNBC pitch deck, Rapido aims to eliminate commission and platform fees for restaurants, adopting a subscription model instead.

For customers, Rapido promises transparent pricing: ₹25 for orders below ₹400, ₹50 for those above, and heavily subsidized delivery rates. Orders over ₹100 will incur a ₹25 delivery charge (₹20 paid by users), and orders below ₹100 will cost just ₹10 in delivery.

With such a model, Rapido could shake up the industry and offer relief to fee-fatigued users.

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