Gurgaon CEO flags cab driver's 'trick' to save money on app rides
A recent incident involving a premium cab booking in Delhi-NCR has drawn attention to concerns about enforcement of rules by ride-hailing platforms, after the passenger documented the experience and called for companies to take responsibility.
A post by Akassh Ashok Gupta, founder and CEO of Peepoye Network, has drawn attention to a common but rarely addressed issue faced by cab users in Delhi-NCR, drivers allegedly switching off air conditioners to save money even on premium bookings.
In his post, Gupta said he had booked a premium Rapido cab on February 5 for work-related travel. The ride, however, did not go as expected. According to him, the driver accepted the booking but informed him after he got in that the air conditioner was not functioning. Gupta alleged that this was not a mechanical issue but a deliberate choice.
“Driver accepted the ride but the moment I sat inside the cab, he pulled the classic ‘AC not working’ trick to save bucks,” Gupta wrote, suggesting that drivers often switch off ACs to cut costs despite customers paying for premium services.
Gupta said he confronted the driver about the claim and pressed him to explain further. He alleged that the interaction revealed a larger problem. “I called him out, confronted him and then got him to admit it, and uncovered the real issue: cab companies aren’t enforcing rules or giving us easy ways to report this harassment. Drivers gaming the system for extra margins while we sweat it out,” he said.
The entrepreneur also criticised ride-hailing platforms for weak enforcement and inadequate reporting mechanisms, saying they routinely “fail” passengers and that it is “time for change”.
Watch the clip here:
Along with the post, Gupta shared a video recorded from the back seat of the cab. He clarified that he had intentionally not shown the driver’s face or name, stating that the issue was not about one individual but a pattern he believes is becoming increasingly common in Delhi-NCR.
When questioned in the video, the driver admitted to switching off the AC and said, “Kuch bacha nahi hai (There isn’t much money left for us).” He acknowledged his mistake and assured that he would not repeat it with future passengers.
Gupta concluded by urging ride-hailing companies to take full responsibility and enforce their own service standards more strictly.
People agreed with Gupta and many also shared similar experiences. Some also commented on how most cab drivers don’t accept their fault and get into heated arguments.
A post by Akassh Ashok Gupta, founder and CEO of Peepoye Network, has drawn attention to a common but rarely addressed issue faced by cab users in Delhi-NCR, drivers allegedly switching off air conditioners to save money even on premium bookings.
In his post, Gupta said he had booked a premium Rapido cab on February 5 for work-related travel. The ride, however, did not go as expected. According to him, the driver accepted the booking but informed him after he got in that the air conditioner was not functioning. Gupta alleged that this was not a mechanical issue but a deliberate choice.
“Driver accepted the ride but the moment I sat inside the cab, he pulled the classic ‘AC not working’ trick to save bucks,” Gupta wrote, suggesting that drivers often switch off ACs to cut costs despite customers paying for premium services.
Gupta said he confronted the driver about the claim and pressed him to explain further. He alleged that the interaction revealed a larger problem. “I called him out, confronted him and then got him to admit it, and uncovered the real issue: cab companies aren’t enforcing rules or giving us easy ways to report this harassment. Drivers gaming the system for extra margins while we sweat it out,” he said.
The entrepreneur also criticised ride-hailing platforms for weak enforcement and inadequate reporting mechanisms, saying they routinely “fail” passengers and that it is “time for change”.
Watch the clip here:
Along with the post, Gupta shared a video recorded from the back seat of the cab. He clarified that he had intentionally not shown the driver’s face or name, stating that the issue was not about one individual but a pattern he believes is becoming increasingly common in Delhi-NCR.
When questioned in the video, the driver admitted to switching off the AC and said, “Kuch bacha nahi hai (There isn’t much money left for us).” He acknowledged his mistake and assured that he would not repeat it with future passengers.
Gupta concluded by urging ride-hailing companies to take full responsibility and enforce their own service standards more strictly.
People agreed with Gupta and many also shared similar experiences. Some also commented on how most cab drivers don’t accept their fault and get into heated arguments.