Commuters urge probe into Namma Yatri over ‘advance tipping’ practice
Bengaluru: As the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) probes ride-hailing platforms Ola and Rapido over alleged unfair trade practices linked to their ‘advance tipping’ feature, Bengaluru commuters are calling for the investigation to extend to other platforms, particularly the homegrown Namma Yatri app.
Users allege that Namma Yatri was among the first to introduce the practice in the city and continues to prompt passengers to add tips during peak hours to secure rides. The feature, they say, often feels less like a voluntary gesture and more like a necessity to access services.
On May 21, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had directed the CCPA to issue a notice to Uber for its use of advance tipping, where riders are encouraged to tip drivers during the booking process, rather than after the ride. A day later, he confirmed that Ola and Rapido would also be issued similar notices. “These tactics are deeply concerning and qualify as unfair trade practices,” Mr. Joshi said.
According to a report published by The Hindu, frequent users in Bengaluru allege that Namma Yatri has made ride confirmation difficult without tipping. “Sometimes, the app refuses to find a ride unless you add a tip. This defeats the purpose of a voluntary contribution,” said Bhuvan Rao, a resident of Jalahalli.
Another commuter from JP Nagar said she had multiple instances where rides were confirmed only after adding a ₹20 tip. “It feels like we’re being manipulated into tipping just to get basic service,” she said.
Sharing a similar experience while booking a ride for his elderly mother, Ravi Prakash from Indiranagar said “Even after adding a ₹50 tip, we had to wait. There’s no transparency on whether the tip actually goes to the driver.”
Interestingly, following the Centre’s scrutiny of other apps, Namma Yatri modified its in-app prompt from ‘Add a tip’ to ‘Add more (voluntary) to find a ride.’ However, users claim the change is only cosmetic, with the underlying pressure unchanged.
Drivers too say they remain unaware of tip amounts. “We don’t see a breakdown. If the customer pays a tip, we don’t know. As far as we’re concerned, it’s not reaching us,” said Puneeth Kumar, an auto driver from Rajajinagar.
In response, Namma Yatri COO Shan M. S. said the app’s ‘Add More’ feature is voluntary and part of a transparent, community-driven model. “Namma Yatri takes no commission and has no stake in the final fare. The optional feature helps recognise drivers’ extra efforts during long waits or peak hours,” he said. The company also stated that no formal complaints had been received regarding the feature.
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3 Indians arrested in Canada for shooting outside home
Ottawa (PTI): Three Indian nationals have been arrested by Canadian police on an anti-extortion patrol and charged after bullets were fired at a home.
Harjot Singh (21), Taranveer Singh (19) and Dayajeet Singh Billing (21) face one count each of discharging a firearm, and all have been remanded in custody until Thursday, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) said in a statement on Monday.
The suspects were arrested by patrol officers after an early morning report of shots fired and a small fire outside a home in Surrey's Crescent Beach neighbourhood, the LakelandToday reported.
On February 1, 2026, the SPS members were patrolling in Surrey’s Crescent Beach neighbourhood when reports came in of shots being fired and a small fire outside a residence near Crescent Road and 132 Street.
The three accused were arrested by SPS officers a short time later, the statement said.
SPS’s Major Crime Section took over the investigation, and the three men have now been charged with Criminal Code offences, it said.
All three have been charged with one count each of discharging a firearm into a place contrary to section 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. All three have been remanded in custody until February 5, 2026.
The SPS has confirmed they are all foreign nationals and has engaged the Canada Border Services Agency, it said.
One of the suspects suffered injuries, including two black eyes, the media report said.
Surrey police Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said on Monday that the suspect had refused to comply with instructions to get out of the ride-share vehicle and started to "actively resist."
"As we were trained, he was taken to the ground and safely handcuffed," said Houghton.
A second suspect with a black eye was also injured in the arrest after refusing to comply, Houghton said.
The arresting officers were part of Project Assurance, an initiative that patrols neighbourhoods that have been targeted by extortion violence.
Houghton said the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is also involved because the men are foreign nationals, and the trio may face additional charges.
It's not clear if the men are in the country on tourist visas, a study permit, or a work permit, but Houghton said CBSA has started its own investigation into the men's status.
Surrey has seen a number of shootings at homes and businesses over the last several months, but there's been an escalation since the new year.
