New Delhi: Amidst increasing consumer complaints, the Center has launched cab and two-wheeler aggregators- Uber, Hailstone, Meru Cabs And firefly – To clarify on the charges they charge, including the algorithms they use.
Union Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Singh A meeting has been called next week to discuss consumer issues, particularly the algorithms used to calculate fares. In a letter to aggregators, including Uber, Singh has alleged that someone regularly traveling between two destinations is charged more than a first-time passenger between the same points.
In addition, the government is also examining the veracity of fares and their justification and cancellation charges, apart from the charges to be levied for additional services.
The meeting comes at a time when commuters have complained about the arbitrariness of some charges, including refusal of drivers to turn on ACs, citing the recent rise in oil and gas prices.
Singh also pointed to the investigation Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Uber reportedly displayed a misleading cancellation alert and informed passengers of a small fee, despite having a five-minute cancellation window. The investigation estimated that nearly two million consumers were misled.
While Uber did not respond to TOI’s queries on Sunday, an Ola spokesperson said it had “no comment” from their side.
Government officials said the difference in fares for first-time and regular passengers is a major area of concern as it also involves their privacy. “We want companies to keep facts and policies in black and white so that consumers are aware. Any such act shall amount to unfair trade practice consumer protection act And since lakhs of passengers are using these platforms, there is a need to examine these issues in detail,” said an official.
Union Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Singh A meeting has been called next week to discuss consumer issues, particularly the algorithms used to calculate fares. In a letter to aggregators, including Uber, Singh has alleged that someone regularly traveling between two destinations is charged more than a first-time passenger between the same points.
In addition, the government is also examining the veracity of fares and their justification and cancellation charges, apart from the charges to be levied for additional services.
The meeting comes at a time when commuters have complained about the arbitrariness of some charges, including refusal of drivers to turn on ACs, citing the recent rise in oil and gas prices.
Singh also pointed to the investigation Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Uber reportedly displayed a misleading cancellation alert and informed passengers of a small fee, despite having a five-minute cancellation window. The investigation estimated that nearly two million consumers were misled.
While Uber did not respond to TOI’s queries on Sunday, an Ola spokesperson said it had “no comment” from their side.
Government officials said the difference in fares for first-time and regular passengers is a major area of concern as it also involves their privacy. “We want companies to keep facts and policies in black and white so that consumers are aware. Any such act shall amount to unfair trade practice consumer protection act And since lakhs of passengers are using these platforms, there is a need to examine these issues in detail,” said an official.