Overview

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has directed the Central Consumer Protection Authority to issue notices to Ola, Uber and Rapido over their tipping options.
• Commuters say the tip feature functions like hidden surge pricing since auto-rickshaws are not allowed to levy peak-hour fares.
• Users criticized the mechanism as unethical and called on apps to implement automated rate adjustments rather than manual tipping.
• The Karnataka government’s ban on bike taxis has reduced last-mile alternatives, heightening reliance on autos and worsening booking delays.
• Advocates are pressing for clearer transport regulations and the legal restoration of bike taxis to ease strain on the auto-rickshaw network.