The central government has delivered good news for those who book cabs through apps like Ola and Uber. It has firmly directed cab companies that passengers must no longer be asked for a tip before their ride even begins. The government has made it clear that it will not tolerate companies collecting extra money upfront from passengers under the pretext that paying more will get them a cab faster, and has directed that this rule be implemented immediately.
Currently, while booking a cab through these apps, passengers often see prompts suggesting that offering a tip in advance will get them a car sooner. Worried that a driver may not show up otherwise, many people end up paying extra money upfront out of fear. Recognising this as unfair practice, the government has moved swiftly to put a stop to it.
The government has directed all cab companies to immediately modify their apps so that passengers are not shown messages asking for a tip before their journey is complete. It made clear that companies must not create confusion by suggesting that a driver will only arrive, or arrive faster, if extra money is paid.
Tipping is allowed, but only after the ride is over. Once the journey is complete, if the driver has done a good job, passengers are free to tip voluntarily. Any such tip given by a passenger must go entirely to the driver, with companies barred from deducting even a rupee from it. The government pointed out that asking for a tip upfront to secure a ride is entirely different from a passenger happily tipping after being satisfied with the service.
The decision follows numerous complaints from passengers about companies collecting extra charges at the time of booking itself. As a result of this move, passengers will no longer have to bear the burden of paying extra money at the time of booking, and will instead have the freedom to tip only after the ride, and only if they choose to.