Rapido faces action over fare nudges and dark patterns

…pricing practices. However, auto and cab drivers have raised concerns that the restriction could affect their daily earnings, particularly as aggregator platforms continue to charge significant commissions on trips. The government has directed cab aggregators to stop offering advance tipping options before a ride is booked, describing the practice as misleading and unfair. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare made the statement on September 16, 2026, a day after the CCPA imposed a ₹10 lakh penalty on ride-hailing platform Rapido for several alleged unfair business practices, including…

…Uber and Ola. In Bengaluru, some commuters said pre-ride tipping had increasingly become part of the booking experience, particularly when demand was high or drivers were reluctant to accept short-distance trips. “ It felt less like a tip and more like a bribe to get a ride. The government’s intervention brings transparency back to the baseline fare. However, I have been seeing major cab aggregators continuing to collect tips ,” said Priya Rao, an auto commuter from J.P. Nagar. Drivers seek fairer earnings Shekhar Prasad from Whitefield said that he had experienced similar issues while trying to book an auto through multiple platforms.…

…tips,” said Priya Rao, an auto commuter from J.P. Nagar. Drivers seek fairer earnings Shekhar Prasad from Whitefield said that he had experienced similar issues while trying to book an auto through multiple platforms. “ Despite the government’s clear directions, they continue to show the tipping option. Yesterday, I was trying to book an auto through multiple apps, but after not getting one for almost half an hour, I had to offer a tip of more than ₹80 to get an auto ,” he said. Drivers, however, argue that the issue needs to be viewed in the context of their overall earnings. Auto and cab drivers have pointed to aggregator commissions, which they claim can account for around 25% to…

…they do not support manipulative app interfaces or practices that pressure passengers into tipping before a ride. At the same time, they want voluntary tipping after a trip to remain easily available to passengers. “ We are already losing a huge chunk of our hard-earned money to aggregator commissions. Tips directly benefit us without platform deductions. While banning pre-booking manipulation is fair, the system must ensure that post-ride tipping remains simple and accessible. If passengers are happy with the service, that extra amount belongs to the driver,” said T.M. Rudramurthy, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU). Sustainable fare structure Mr. Rudramurthy also…