The Maharashtra government has ordered a crackdown on app-based taxi operators and drivers following a growing number of complaints from passengers who claim they are being forced to pay tips and additional charges beyond the fare displayed on ride-hailing apps.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed the state transport department to investigate the issue and take strict action against drivers and aggregators found violating passenger rights. The move comes amid rising concerns about customer harassment and unfair practices in the state’s rapidly expanding app-based transport sector.
Complaints Trigger Government Action
The issue gained attention after several commuters reported being pressured to pay extra amounts over and above the fare shown on ride-hailing platforms. According to complaints received by authorities, some drivers allegedly demand tips before starting a ride, while others threaten to cancel bookings if passengers refuse to pay additional charges.
Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde raised the matter with the state government, highlighting instances where passengers were left stranded after refusing to comply with such demands. The complaints have become particularly concerning during late-night travel and emergency situations when commuters have limited alternatives.
Transport Department Ordered To Investigate
Responding to the complaints, Minister Sarnaik described the reported practices as unfair and unacceptable. He instructed the State Transport Commissioner to examine the functioning of app-based taxi aggregators and initiate action wherever violations are found.
The minister also warned that passengers cannot be compelled to pay anything beyond the fare prescribed through the platform. Authorities have been directed to closely monitor operators and ensure consumer rights are protected.
Focus Shifts To Passenger Rights
The latest action reflects the government’s broader effort to regulate app-based mobility services more effectively. Consumer groups have repeatedly raised concerns about ride cancellations, fare disputes, unofficial payments, and lack of accountability among some drivers and platforms.
Officials believe forcing customers to pay tips as a condition for receiving service amounts to a violation of consumer rights. While voluntary tipping remains a personal choice, authorities have clarified that coercive demands for extra payments will not be tolerated.
New Aggregator Policy In The Works
The Maharashtra government is also working on a comprehensive aggregator policy aimed at improving regulation of app-based taxis and ride-hailing services. The proposed framework is expected to focus on fare transparency, passenger safety, service standards, grievance redressal mechanisms, and accountability of platform operators.
With millions of commuters relying on app-based transport services across Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and other cities, the outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for both passengers and ride-hailing companies.
Summary:
Maharashtra has ordered a crackdown on app-based taxi drivers and aggregators following complaints of forced tipping and extra fare demands. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed authorities to investigate the issue and take action against violators. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen passenger rights and improve regulation of ride-hailing services across the state.
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