Viral Post: Ola, Uber Passengers Asked to Pay Extra for AC

In a recent development, Ola and Uber passengers have been asked to pay an additional fee for air-conditioned rides, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Divya Gandotra Tandon brought attention to this issue by posting an image on X (formerly Twitter), which reveals that cab drivers are requesting extra payments for air conditioning due to high commission rates charged by the ridesharing companies.

The note shared by Tandon reads: 

“Dear OLA UBER customer, don’t force drivers to commit suicide by demanding AC. The company has already broken our backs with 30% 40% commission.” This stark message highlights the financial strain drivers face due to high commission rates, which can range from 30% to 40% per booking.

30-40% is too much !!! pic.twitter.com/63eJaJSqS9

— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) May 26, 2024

In her post, Tandon emphasized that these commission rates are excessively high. The note further explains that a drivers’ representative body has demanded a reduction in these rates. Until such revisions are made, drivers are asking passengers to support their need to charge extra for air conditioning. Specifically, the note states, “Should you require AC, you will have to pay an additional ₹5 for each kilometre.”

Commenting on Tandon’s post, people shared their own takes on the issue, with some even offering solutions that can potentially prevent future disputes.

“Cabs should just ask Ola/Uber to provide an option on the app saying with / without AC and charge accordingly, so that things are smoother for both,” one suggested.

At times, passengers have reported instances of cab drivers refusing to turn on the air conditioning. Drivers have also reportedly found a workaround to these high commissions by asking passengers to cancel their booking through the app and instead pay the fare in cash directly to the driver. This method allows drivers to retain the entire fare without giving a cut to the ridesharing company.

This situation underscores the ongoing tension between ridesharing companies and their drivers, who often struggle with high operational costs and the commissions deducted from their earnings.