Riders question extra AC charges in app-based cabs, drivers cite rising fuel costs
ANJALI YADAV/ Dehradun
Commuters in Dehradun have raised concerns over being charged extra for air conditioning in app-based cab rides, like Ola and Rapido, despite booking AC services. Local resident Bajrang Singh said that he booked two rides through Rapido to travel across the city. In the first instance, he alleged that the driver refused to switch on the AC despite repeated requests, even after being informed that the ride had been booked under an AC category. He said that the issue was reported to the platform, but no immediate action followed.
In another ride, Singh claimed that the driver demanded an additional Rs 30 over the Rs 170 fare to switch on the AC. According to him, cooling was provided only after the extra payment was made. “If I need to sit with the window open in 38 degrees, wouldn’t it be better for me to go with an auto ride? That would cost me less than these hot fireballs, where anyone would sweat like anything,” he said.
Rahul Goswami shared a similar experience, alleging that drivers often hesitate to switch on the AC or ask for extra payment despite AC rides being booked through apps. “Passengers end up paying more than the displayed fare, which defeats the purpose of booking through an app,” he said.
Cab drivers, however, defended the practice, citing higher fuel consumption during summer months. Rajat Yadav, who drives with Ola, said that operating the AC increases fuel expenses and affects daily earnings. “We need to earn a little more to run our households,” he said.
Similarly, an Uber driver Virender Kumar said that passengers expect immediate cooling during the ongoing heat. “If we don’t switch on the AC, complaints will be filed. Since it increases fuel consumption, we sometimes charge Rs 20–30 extra,” he said.
Kumar also added that the company policies aren’t very clear and the app doesn’t show AC or Non-AC.
Responding to the issue, PR manager at Rapido Shilpa Singh said that drivers are not permitted to charge extra for AC in rides booked under AC service categories. She clarified that in the platform’s Economy category, AC availability depends on the option selected at the time of booking.
The issue isn’t new. There have been multiple complaints online from cities like Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, where riders allege similar problems with app-based cab rides.
