Pune Woman Stranded by Uber Driver After Dispute Over AC, Raises Safety Concerns
Pune Woman Stranded by Uber Driver After Dispute Over AC, Raises Safety Concerns
Pune: A woman in Pune faced a distressing situation when an Uber driver abandoned her on the road after a disagreement about turning on the car’s air conditioning. The incident, shared widely on social media, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about safety and service standards in app-based cab services.
The woman, identified as Iffat Shaikh, detailed her experience in a video posted on Instagram. According to Shaikh, the driver insisted that air conditioning was only available for Uber Premier rides, despite her booking a sedan. When she requested the AC to be turned on, the driver refused, claiming it was not included in her ride category.
“So I am sitting in an Uber. I booked a sedan, but the driver is saying I should have booked Premier if I wanted AC, like I’m travelling for the very first time,” Shaikh stated in the video. She further explained that she had used Uber multiple times and knew that AC could be requested in any ride.
Driver Abandons Passenger
The disagreement escalated, and the driver refused to drop her at her destination, leaving her stranded mid-route. Shaikh was forced to hail an auto to complete her journey. In her caption, she expressed frustration and highlighted the lack of accountability for such behavior, calling it both unprofessional and unsafe.
Social Media Outrage
The video quickly went viral, with many users criticizing Uber for its poor service and the potential safety risks of such incidents. Some users shared similar experiences, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and accountability for ride-hailing services.
Uber’s Response
Uber said that all cars under Uber, including the UberGo category, are equipped with air conditioning, and drivers are required to turn it on upon request. “We have refunded the rider’s trip fare and taken appropriate action against the driver,” the company stated.
The Pune incident is not isolated. Recently, another woman in Guwahati reported being verbally and physically abused by an Uber driver over an AC-related dispute. She detailed her ordeal on social media, further fueling the debate over rider safety and service standards in app-based cab services.
As these incidents garner widespread attention, questions about safety protocols and service reliability in ride-hailing apps continue to grow.
