{
  "id": 8489858,
  "title": "Bengaluru passengers welcome government move against advance tipping, drivers seek fairer fares",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/bengaluru-passengers-welcome-government-move-against-advance-tipping",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-19T15:55:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/bengaluru-passengers-welcome-government-move-against-advance-tipping-drivers-seek-fairer-fares/article71480998.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Passengers in Bengaluru have welcomed the government's move to stop pre-ride tipping prompts on ride-hailing platforms, viewing it as a step towards curbing coercive pricing practices. However, auto and cab drivers have expressed concerns that the restriction could impact their daily earnings, especially as aggregator platforms continue to levy significant commissions on rides. The government's directive to cab aggregators to discontinue advance tipping options, described as misleading and unfair, came in the wake of the Central Consumer Protection Authority's (CCPA) ₹10 lakh penalty on ride-hailing platform Rapido for unfair business practices. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced the decision on September 16, 2026, following the CCPA's investigation into several ride-hailing platforms, including Uber and Ola. While some commuters appreciate the change, indicating it restores transparency to fare booking, drivers argue that the issue must be considered within the broader context of their earnings. They highlight aggregator commissions, which can range from 25% to 30% of the trip value, as well as increasing fuel and maintenance costs, and low-value short-distance rides. Drivers want to maintain the option for voluntary tipping after a trip, separate from pre-booking manipulations. They also advocate for a sustainable fare structure based on regulated metered fares, such as a minimum fare of ₹40, to benefit drivers and reduce passengers' reliance on app-based aggregators. Despite efforts to contact major cab aggregators for their perspectives, none responded to inquiries.",
  "summary": "The government has directed cab aggregators to stop offering advance tipping options before a ride is booked, describing the practice as misleading and unfair.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bengaluru government bans pre-ride tipping prompts on ride-hailing apps.",
    "Auto and cab drivers worry restriction may cut their earnings.",
    "Drivers demand fairer fares, voluntary tipping, regulated metered fares."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}