An open Letter to the Consumer Affairs Authority

The public is increasingly concerned about the manner in which online taxi operators exploit consumers during rainy weather and rush hours through excessive “surge pricing” and “driver bid” charges. A journey which normally costs around Rs.700 was recently billed to me as follows: Fare – Rs.1053.62 Surge – Rs.300.00 Driver Bid Rs. 610.00 Total – Rs.1963.62 

This amounts to almost three times the normal fare. While a slight increase during peak demand may be understandable, such arbitrary and excessive pricing places an unfair burden on commuters, especially office workers, schoolchildren, elderly passengers and those stranded during bad weather. Consumers are left with no practical alternative at such times and are virtually compelled to accept unreasonable charges. This appears contrary to the principles of fair pricing and consumer protection.

Upali Weerasinghe