Mumbai RTO Cracks Down on App-Based Cabs Overcharging During Heavy Rains

Mumbai: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mumbai has launched a special drive to tackle the issue of app-based cab drivers charging excessive fares during the recent heavy rainfall. Over the past few days, these drivers have been taking advantage of the weather conditions to charge fares that are nearly two to four times the usual rate.

Action was taken against approximately 147 app-based taxi services. Out of these, 36 taxi services were specifically noted for charging unreasonable fares to passengers. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik directed the motor transport department to take strict action against such aggregator companies engaged in 'financial exploitation.' Sarnaik also discussed the issue with Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and suggested that the police cyber cell should be involved in taking action against app-based taxi services charging illegal fares.

A passenger who emerged from Terminal 1 of the airport reported being surprised by the fare rates. He wanted to book a cab to Thane and was astonished to see that the fare was Rs 1,400 for a premier cab and approximately Rs 2,300 for a larger vehicle (XL). Traffic disruptions in the Mumbai metropolitan area due to heavy rainfall over the past few days have led to numerous complaints about app-based companies exploiting the situation and financially cheating passengers.

'Traffic was disrupted in the Mumbai metropolitan area due to heavy rainfall over the past three to four days. Complaints were received that some app-based companies were taking undue advantage of this situation and financially cheating passengers,' Sarnaik said. 'This is the reason why I asked the transport commissioner to deploy officials to take action on the ground,' he added. 'Where the normal fare was Rs 200, these companies charged Rs 600-800 and upwards.'

Sarnaik further stated that he instructed the transport chief to consider canceling the licenses of app-based taxis that were financially exploiting passengers by taking advantage of their helplessness in adverse conditions, if necessary. Aggregator cab companies were unavailable for comment on the issue.

The RTO's drive is expected to serve as a deterrent to other app-based cab services and ensure fair and reasonable fare practices, especially during challenging weather conditions. Passengers are advised to report any instances of overcharging to the RTO or the police cyber cell to help maintain transparency and fairness in the transportation sector.