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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Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren passes away at 62
Ranchi, Aug 15 (PTI): Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren died on Friday, JMM national spokesperson Kunal Sarangi said.
He was 62.
Soren was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Delhi, where he was admitted on August 2.
"State Education Minister Ramdas Soren, who was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi, is no more," Sarangi told PTI.
Soren's condition was critical and he was on life support, Sarangi said.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader was airlifted to the hospital in the national capital from Jamshedpur after he fell in the bathroom of his residence on August 2.
A multidisciplinary team of senior specialists was closely monitoring his condition and providing intensive medical care.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren condoled his death.
Hemant Soren, in a post on X, wrote, "Ramdas Da (brother) should not have left us like this. Last greetings to Dada..."
Ramdas Soren, born in Ghorabandha village in East Singhbhum district on January 1, 1963, began his political journey as the gram pradhan of the Ghorabanda panchayat, eventually rising to become one of the most influential ministers in the Hemant Soren-led cabinet.
He won the Ghatshila assembly seat for the third time in 2024 by defeating BJP's Babulal Soren, son of former chief minister Champai Soren.
ऐसे छोड़ कर नहीं जाना था रामदास दा...
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) August 15, 2025
अंतिम जोहार दादा... pic.twitter.com/5cKZkpIe9Z
