When we book cab services like Rapido, Uber and others, many people choose to tip their drivers. However, if you have a habit of tipping before the ride, things are about to change. The Centre has now clarified that passengers can only tip after completing their ride. Read on to know more!
No More Tips Before Cab Rides
The Road Transport Ministry has highlighted that some ride-hailing apps like Uber, Rapido, and more show tip options while passengers book a vehicle. These features appear before the ride starts and indicate that adding a tip could improve the chances of getting a ride. As per News18, however, such practices are not allowed anymore.
As per the government, such features are against the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines. Such messages can mislead or pressure passengers into paying extra money and may violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Also Read: After Autos, Marathi Now Mandatory For Ola, Uber & Rapido Drivers In Maharashtra
Tip Option Should Appear After The Ride
As per Clause 14.15 of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, the tip option should be visible only after the journey is complete. This move has been taken to make sure that customers don’t feel pressurised to add a tip before the journey just so ride-hailing platforms can confirm their ride.
News18 reported that this means ride-hailing platforms cannot show any feature, message, payment option or other interface element before the ride ends that suggests an extra payment could improve the passenger’s experience.
This issue has not been highlighted for the first time. The consumer protection authority had already asked ride-hailing apps to stop showing such prompts. However, some apps have continued to show these options to passengers.
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: She Is An Uber Driver, Makeup Artist, And Single Mom: Passenger Shares Inspiring Video
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@IndianTechGuide
FAQs
When can passengers tip cab drivers?
Passengers can tip cab drivers only after completing their ride.
Why government stopped ride-hailing platforms to ask for tip before ride?
The government stopped this practice to prevent passengers from feeling pressured to pay extra money to confirm or get better service for their ride.
Why passengers are asked to pay tip before ride?
Some ride-hailing apps asked passengers to tip before the ride by suggesting it could improve their chances of confirming the ride.
