The Maharashtra government has directed transport authorities to take strict action against app-based taxi operators and drivers accused of demanding tips and additional payments beyond fares shown on ride-hailing applications.
The move follows a rise in complaints from commuters who alleged that some drivers were pressuring passengers to pay extra money or risk having their rides cancelled.
Government steps in after complaints
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik instructed the Transport Commissioner to investigate complaints against aggregator platforms and drivers found violating passenger rights.
The issue was formally raised by Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, who highlighted increasing reports of passengers being coerced into paying additional charges after booking rides through mobile applications.
According to complaints received by authorities, some drivers allegedly demanded tips as a condition for completing trips, while others reportedly threatened to cancel rides if passengers refused.
Passenger rights under focus
Sarnaik said forcing passengers to pay tips or charges beyond the app-displayed fare was unacceptable and undermined consumer rights.
He added that the government would not tolerate practices that damage public confidence in Maharashtra’s growing app-based transport sector.
The Transport Department has been asked to examine the functioning of ride-hailing companies and take appropriate action wherever violations are identified.
Wider scrutiny of app-based transport
The latest directive expands the government’s focus beyond fare-related disputes to include passenger harassment and coercive payment practices.
Earlier this year, authorities had launched investigations into complaints that some drivers were refusing app-generated fares and instead demanding payments through unofficial fare-calculation methods.
The state government is also preparing a comprehensive aggregator policy aimed at improving regulation of app-based transport services. The proposed framework is expected to address fare transparency, passenger safety, service standards and grievance redressal mechanisms.
With millions of commuters relying on app-based taxis daily across Mumbai, Thane and Pune, the government’s action is expected to be closely watched by both passengers and industry stakeholders.