Passengers arriving at Pune Airport are raising concerns over delayed online cab bookings, claiming that transport aggregators are manipulating their algorithms to push costlier Sedan rides, even when more affordable Mini car options are available. Commuters have reported that they are forced to book higher-priced rides due to delays in booking the cheaper options.
A prominent case was highlighted by international badminton player Raj Singh, who complained to the Minister of Civil Aviation about his experience at Pune Airport. Singh was unable to book a Mini car on a popular app despite waiting for 30 minutes. However, he was offered an immediate booking for the more expensive Sedan. Singh alleged that this was evidence of software manipulation designed to force passengers to pay higher fares. He has threatened legal action against the platform with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for deliberately delaying rides and inconveniencing passengers.
Passengers Cite Similar Experiences
Manjusha Ghodake, a resident of Hinjewadi, shared a similar experience. After arriving from Delhi around 11 pm, Ghodake reported a 45-minute delay in booking her preferred vehicle, while the premium ride option was available almost immediately. She expressed frustration, stating that ordinary passengers are being targeted by these practices to increase profits for the aggregators. “When I press for the premium version, I get an immediate booking, but it’s inconvenient and unfair for regular customers,” Ghodake said.
Legal and Regulatory Action
The concerns raised by passengers have prompted legal experts like advocate Milind Pawar to suggest that affected commuters approach the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to lodge complaints. According to Pawar, the CCPA is empowered under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 to address unfair trade practices and protect consumers from misleading or deceptive practices. “The CCPA can investigate consumer complaints, issue penalties, and initiate class action suits against platforms engaged in such manipulative practices,” Pawar explained.
Call for Action from Authorities
Passengers are now demanding that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and CCPA take immediate action against the aggregator platforms involved. They believe that such practices not only harm the commuters financially but also undermine trust in the services offered by these platforms. With several similar complaints surfacing, commuters await a resolution to ensure that the transport booking process at Pune Airport becomes more transparent and customer-friendly.
