Online App Riders Feel Fleeced When Booking Ride During Rain
It’s not just autorickshaws and cabs, bike taxis are also charging high surge fares during the rainy season.
Hyderabad: The persistent rains over the past few days have created difficulties for commuters, particularly those relying on app-based transport services. Due to surge pricing during rainy conditions, users are ending up paying nearly double the usual fare for the same rides.
Commuters said they felt helpless.
Nagesh Kumar, a software executive working in Banjara Hills, shared his experience: “To commute to Secunderabad, I usually spend around Rs 160, but these days, due to the rain, I’m ending up spending Rs 280 for an autorickshaw ride.”
Mohammed Ishaq, a postgraduate student, added, “Since it’s been raining continuously, I’m forced to take autorickshaws, but the fares are exorbitantly high. Some apps have an option to add a tip, and the drivers won’t accept the ride unless we offer at least Rs 50 extra. Even when vehicles appear available on the app, drivers often refuse the ride unless an additional amount is added.”
It’s not just autorickshaws and cabs, bike taxis are also charging high surge fares during the rainy season.
Ashwin Das, a private sector employee, said, “App-based bike rides have been a boon for people in areas with limited public transport. But during rains, even after the rain stops, the surge pricing remains high throughout the day.”
Kishan, an autorickshaw driver associated with an app-based platform, commented, “Most of us are working even in rainy conditions. We do earn a little extra, but it’s not as much as it’s made out to be.”
Shaik Salauddin, founder-president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, said, “There is no transparency between aggregators and drivers. While customers are paying more, drivers claim they are earning only slightly more per ride. There should be a fixed fare system, similar to traditional meters. The government must address this issue.”
