Bengaluru split on advance tipping ban as drivers seek fairer fares

Passengers in Bengaluru have welcomed the Central Consumer Protection Authority's (CCPA) action against pre-ride tipping prompts on ride-hailing platforms, saying the move could help curb what they describe as coercive pricing practices. The government has directed cab aggregators to stop offering advance tipping options before a ride is booked, calling the practice misleading and unfair.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare made the statement on September 16, 2026, a day after the CCPA imposed a ₹10 lakh penalty on ride-hailing platform Rapido for several alleged unfair business practices, including the provision of advance tipping options. The CCPA is also examining the business practices of other major ride-hailing platforms, including Uber and Ola.

In Bengaluru, some commuters said pre-ride tipping had increasingly become part of the booking experience, particularly when demand was high or drivers were reluctant to accept short-distance trips.

"It felt less like a tip and more like a bribe to get a ride. The government's intervention brings transparency back to the baseline fare. However, I have been seeing major cab aggregators continuing to collect tips," said Priya Rao, an auto commuter from J.P. Nagar.

Shekhar Prasad from Whitefield said he had experienced similar issues while trying to book an auto through multiple platforms. "Despite the government's clear directions, they continue to show the tipping option. Yesterday, I was trying to book an auto through multiple apps, but after not getting one for almost half an hour, I had to offer a tip of more than ₹80 to get an auto," he said.

Drivers seek fairer earnings

Drivers, however, argue that the issue needs to be viewed in the context of their overall earnings. Auto and cab drivers have pointed to aggregator commissions, which they claim can account for around 25% to 30% of the trip value, along with rising fuel and maintenance costs and low-value short-distance rides.

Auto drivers said they do not support manipulative app interfaces or practices that pressure passengers into tipping before a ride. At the same time, they want voluntary tipping after a trip to remain easily available to passengers.

"We are already losing a huge chunk of our hard-earned money to aggregator commissions. Tips directly benefit us without platform deductions. While banning pre-booking manipulation is fair, the system must ensure that post-ride tipping remains simple and accessible. If passengers are happy with the service, that extra amount belongs to the driver," said T.M. Rudramurthy, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union (ARDU).

Sustainable fare structure

Mr. Rudramurthy also called for a more sustainable fare structure based on regulated metered fares. "We believe the best approach would be to implement metered fares with a minimum fare of at least ₹40 in the city, along with an annual fare revision linked to inflation. This would provide a more sustainable fare structure for drivers while helping to reduce passengers' dependence on app-based aggregators," he added.

Major cab aggregators did not respond to requests for their reactions.