I want to know if other people are also facing this issue with Uber and Ola in Chennai/Tamil Nadu.
Recently, I travelled from Tambaram to Kanchipuram. The app showed around ₹800 for the ride, but the driver called me immediately after accepting and demanded ₹1500. I cancelled the trip because it honestly felt unfair. Then another driver accepted and again asked for ₹100 extra than the app fare. Due to the situation and urgency, I accepted it and travelled.
But the frustrating part is this is not just a one-time incident. Almost every time I try to book an Ola or Uber in Chennai or nearby areas, the driver calls and asks for extra money before coming. Sometimes they ask directly, sometimes indirectly by asking the destination first.
What’s more frustrating is that I never faced this issue while staying in Bengaluru for several months. I used Uber and Ola there many times, and drivers usually followed the fare shown in the app. No arguments, no bargaining, no unnecessary calls asking for extra money. I genuinely respected that professionalism.
So my question is:
What exactly are Uber and Ola doing regarding driver income and fare management?
If drivers genuinely feel the app fare is too low for certain distances, then why doesn’t the app itself show the actual required amount clearly to customers? If the fare is ₹1200 or ₹1500, just display it honestly in the app itself. Customers can then decide whether they can afford it or choose another option.
Instead, what’s happening now is:
- App shows one fare
- Driver demands another fare
- Customer and driver end up arguing
- Everyone gets frustrated
This system feels broken for both sides.
One good experience I had was with Red Taxi in Erode. The driver only called to confirm the pickup location and didn’t ask for even ₹1 extra than the app fare. That felt professional and respectful. I really wish more cab services followed that model.
Has anyone else faced the same issue in Chennai or Tamil Nadu? And why does Bengaluru seem much better in this aspect compared to here?