Ola-Uber: The government has made an important decision for cab users. Uber, Ola, and other cab aggregators are now prohibited from requesting tips from passengers before the ride starts. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has instructed all motor vehicle aggregators to eliminate pre-ride tipping options from their applications and digital platforms.
This action was taken because some cab apps were presenting passengers with the option to tip in advance during the booking process. Messages such as “Advance Tip,” “Choose an Add-on,” and “Enhance your chances of quicker ride confirmation” were visible in certain areas. This could mislead passengers into thinking that tipping beforehand would result in faster cab bookings or quicker acceptance of their ride requests. The government has raised concerns about these practices.
No need to tip for a quicker cab
The government has urged all cab aggregators to promptly assess their mobile applications and digital platforms, removing any features that contravene the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025. Apps are no longer allowed to show a tipping option, message, or payment feature before a ride is completed that implies a passenger can receive improved or expedited service by providing extra payment. This includes aspects like the driver accepting the ride, the speed of booking confirmation, which driver will be assigned, or how long the passenger might wait. In simple terms, passengers cannot be prompted to tip in advance to secure a faster cab.
Is tipping the driver no longer allowed?
Not at all. The government has not prohibited tipping. Passengers are still free to tip drivers if they choose to. However, tips can now only be given after the ride concludes. This means that if a driver has delivered outstanding service and a passenger wants to give a little extra, they can do so post-ride. Additionally, the driver is entitled to receive the full amount of the tip, as cab aggregators cannot take any portion of it. In essence, tipping remains a personal choice for passengers and is not tied to the speed of receiving a cab.
Why did the government take action now?
Complaints were raised regarding messages and options requesting tips in advance during cab bookings. Following this, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) directed cab platforms to discontinue such practices. Now, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also asked all aggregators to amend their apps in accordance with the 2025 guidelines. The direct benefit for passengers will be that they will no longer feel pressured to pay extra charges to get a cab quickly when booking it. They can voluntarily tip the driver after the journey is complete.