Ola, Uber: Today, millions of people in the country use cab and bike taxi services daily. Whether commuting to work, traveling late at night, or traveling alone, aggregator platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido have become a necessity for the common man. However, for some time now, questions have been raised about the tipping system, dynamic fares, and passenger safety on these platforms.
Now, keeping these issues in mind, the central government has taken a major and important step.The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has amended the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, introducing rules that will ensure full remuneration for drivers, enhance passenger safety, and curb unfair trade practices. Companies will no longer be able to deduct drivers’ tips.
The government has clearly stated that companies like Rapido, Ola, and Uber will no longer be able to deduct any portion of the tip given by passengers. If a customer willingly tips the driver, the entire amount will be credited directly to the driver’s account. Previously, companies have often deducted commissions from tips, preventing drivers from receiving their full payment. Following the new rules, this will be completely illegal.
Tipping before a ride is now completely bannedIn another major decision, the government has banned the advance tipping feature. Passengers will no longer be able to tip drivers when booking a ride or before the trip begins. The government says this feature has become an unfair trade practice, as passengers who tip higher are often given first access to the cab. Ride booking has become a form of auction.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has also objected to this system. Now passengers can only tip after the ride is completeAccording to the new rules, the tipping option will only be visible in the app after the trip is completed. Tipping will be completely voluntary. There will be no pressure, pop-ups, or misleading messages. The government has also stated that the tipping system should not violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.