No forced tips, cab drivers told

Sarnaik’s remarks came in response to a social media post by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, highlighting complaints against aggregator cab services.

Mumbai: Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday said app-based cab drivers cannot compel passengers to pay tips and described the practice as unfair and unacceptable, assuring that the state transport department would take steps to curb it.

No forced tips, cab drivers told

Sarnaik’s remarks came in response to a social media post by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, highlighting complaints against aggregator cab services.

In his post, Shinde said a large number of passengers had complained about drivers demanding additional tips or extra payments after accepting rides, cancelling trips when such payments were refused, and causing inconvenience and distress to commuters.

Responding to the concerns, Sarnaik said the transport department would introduce measures to check arbitrary practices by app-based taxi and ride-hailing companies. He also announced that a new aggregator policy for the sector would be unveiled soon to address passenger grievances and improve accountability among service providers.