Phone Battery Low? You May Pay More For Last-Minute Cab Booking

Commuters using popular ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola have raised concerns over fare discrepancies, as per a recent survey by LocalCircles. While some users have reported that as soon as they modify their pick-up location, the price of the ride surges by Rs 100 to Rs 200.

The increase is said to be especially noticeable when the phone's battery is low, leaving users to wonder if the pricing algorithms are somehow taking advantage of their device's battery status.

According to the survey, many commuters have also noticed a significant difference in the fares displayed for identical rides when booked via Android devices compared to iPhones, leading some to question if the pricing algorithms are set to charge Apple users higher fares.

The survey, which received responses from over 33,000 app taxi users across India, highlighted several troubling patterns within the ride-hailing industry, including "dark patterns" like bait-and-switch tactics, forced actions, and hidden charges.

A significant portion of respondents reported experiencing pricing manipulation, with many wondering if the type of device used by a customer could affect the price.

According to commuters, fare discrepancies often arise when they attempt to book a ride. Some users reported that as soon as they adjusted their pickup location, the price surged by Rs 100 to Rs 200, with complaints that this surge is particularly noticeable when the phone's battery is low.

Additionally, passengers have raised concerns about the sudden increase in waiting time, where the app initially shows a nearby taxi, but in reality, the driver is much further away, leading to longer waits and frustration.

Another prevalent issue highlighted by the survey is "forced action," where users are compelled to cancel rides despite the platform or driver being unwilling to provide the agreed-upon service. This has led to situations where users are penalised with cancellation fees despite no fault of their own.

The survey also pointed out the practice of "bait and switch," where the app shows a much shorter waiting time before booking, only for passengers to find that the actual time taken by the driver is far longer. This deceptive practice has been observed by 78% of respondents, further aggravating their ride-hailing experience.

Additionally, 42% of respondents reported encountering hidden charges not disclosed upfront but added to the total fare once the ride concludes. This often leaves commuters surprised by the final amount they are asked to pay, especially when drivers claim that they have no control over the charges displayed on the app.

The survey also indicates that these issues are widespread, with 84% of users claiming to have experienced forced actions, 78% noticing bait-and-switch tactics, and 42% being subjected to hidden charges.