The authorities has referred to as a gathering of cab aggregators like Ola and Uber on Tuesday to debate their insurance policies associated to fare calculation, surge pricing, journey cancellations and measures taken by them for knowledge safety of consumers, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh stated on Monday. The assembly has been referred to as amid rise in shopper complaints of alleged unfair commerce practices by these platforms, together with journey cancellation coverage as drivers pressure clients to cancel journeys after accepting bookings, which ends up in clients paying cancellation penalties.

“We have sought information from cab aggregators how they handle cancellation charges and surge pricing and how they calculate fare,” Singh stated whereas talking on the sidelines of an occasion organised by the ministry.

He additional stated,”We have asked why the charges to go from point A to point B are different for two different people.” The ministry would additionally wish to know whether or not these journey hailing apps have taken ample measures to safeguard shopper knowledge on their platforms.

“We have asked for information. We will discuss with them and based on the outcome we will take further action,” the secretary stated.

Last week, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare stated, “We have received several complaints from consumers regarding the cancellation and pricing policy of cab aggregators. The number of complaints is very high and therefore we have called the cab aggregators for explanation of their policies.” Citing just a few examples, Khare stated the regulator has acquired many complaints of alleged unfair commerce practices, together with cab drivers forcing shoppers to cancel a visit and bear a penalty because the drivers don’t need to settle for the journey for no matter motive.

Khare additional stated present shoppers are being charged excessive charges for a journey, whereas new customers are lured with decrease costs for a similar distance.

“It appears that cab aggregators are using algorithms to lure new customers, putting old customers at disadvantage. This is an unfair practice,” she added.

Against this backdrop, Khare stated the regulator want to perceive their algorithms and different insurance policies adopted for working as cab aggregators within the nation.