Bengaluru commuters seek action over surge pricing by cab, auto aggregators

…a Banashankari resident who regularly uses app-based auto services to commute to her office on M.G. Road, said she does not oppose surge pricing but wants passengers to be told clearly why they are being charged more. “ We have seen something similar in the past, such as higher fares for late-night travel when meters were used. But with app-based surge pricing, I have no clear way of knowing what the actual base fare is, how much of the amount is surge and why that additional charge has been applied ,” she said. Need transparency Another commuter, Poojitha K. from J.P. Nagar, said passengers should be given a clear explanation whenever a higher fare is imposed. “For instance, it could say that a 20% additional…

…surge and why that additional charge has been applied,” she said. Need transparency Another commuter, Poojitha K. from J.P. Nagar, said passengers should be given a clear explanation whenever a higher fare is imposed. “ For instance, it could say that a 20% additional charge has been applied because of heavy rain, or that a 30% surge is being charged because demand is particularly high. At present, passengers are simply shown the final amount, without enough information to understand how that figure was arrived at. If aggregators can calculate surge pricing in real time, they should also be able to explain it in real time. A transparent breakdown would allow commuters to understand what they are paying for instead of simply accepting an unexplained higher fare ,” she said. The issue has also drawn attention on social media. In August, several users complained online about app-based aggregators increasing minimum autorickshaw fares in Bengaluru, particularly after the…

…Need of clear regulatory framework Transport expert M.N. Srihari said the government needs to establish a clear regulatory framework specifically addressing how digital aggregators determine and apply surge fares. “ The government should immediately bring in clear rules governing surge pricing by app-based cab and auto aggregators and ensure that the framework is implemented strictly. Regulation cannot stop with fixing the basic fare; it must also address how digital platforms apply additional charges over that fare ,” he said. “Aggregators should be required to clearly disclose the base fare, the additional surge component and the reason for the increase before a passenger confirms a ride. A transparent framework would give…