Bengaluru commuters urge wider probe into ride-hailing apps over ‘advance tipping’ tactics

As the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) investigates Ola and Rapido for alleged unfair trade practices tied to their ‘advance tipping’ feature, Bengaluru commuters are demanding the inclusion of other ride-hailing platforms in the probe — notably Namma Yatri. Users claim the homegrown app first introduced the controversial feature locally and continues to pressure riders into paying tips during high-demand periods to secure rides.

Also read: Bengaluru’s Namma Yatri autorickshaw-booking app now disabled-friendly

The scrutiny intensified after Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi directed the CCPA on May 21 to issue a notice to Uber for prompting users to tip during booking. The following day, Joshi confirmed that similar actions were under consideration for Ola and Rapido.

Commuters argue that tipping, once a post-service gesture, is now being used to influence ride allocation. They report frequent instances of delayed or failed bookings unless a tip is added, especially during peak hours.

Several users cite experiences where rides were only confirmed after voluntarily increasing the tip amount. Some complain of a lack of transparency regarding where the tip money goes, raising concerns about ethical practices and accountability.

With increasing frustration over cancellations and delays, users feel compelled to pay beyond the displayed fare. Many believe this undermines the fairness of digital ride-booking services and are calling on authorities to regulate such tactics across all platforms, not just a few, to ensure consumer rights are upheld.