Ride-sharing customers are not at all amused by the government’s decision to allow operators like Ola, Uber, inDrive and Rapido to charge a double surge fee during peak hours. According to the new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025 introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH have been given the green light to the aggregators to charge 2x of the base charge at high-demand hours. Currently, the surge price is 1.5 times. While cab-hailing companies have welcomed the decision, commuters are ripping this apart on social platforms.
Netizens vent fury over latest surge price controversy
According to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025, the fares are capped at twice the base fare during peak hours and a minimum fare of 50% of the base. According to the government, this makes cab fees transparent. This decision has received a lot of flak from the netzines on social media, calling it an ‘open loot’.
Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) posted on X, formerly Twitter, said, “Another blow to Middle Class. Modi Govt has allowed open loot by Ola, Uber & Rapido. Pay 2x the amount during peak hours. Pay 10% charge if you cancel. Meanwhile your old vehicles will be scrapped too. THE MOST ANTI-MIDDLE CLASS GOVT IN HISTORY.”
Supriya Hansda (@Supriya86737288) left no stones unturned and criticised the government for the fuel ban for old cars in Delhi and then doubling the surge price on cabs during peak hours. She posted, “First they taxed our fuel, then they taxed our dreams. Now they charge us to ride and fine us to cancel. And still say we are “Amrit Kaal. For whom? Not the middle class.”
KM_ KM (@KnKsnKarn) also took the same stance against the government and said, “Government allows Uber, Ola, Rapido etc to HIKE the peak hour SURGE pricing from 1.5 times to 2 times. First they Banned your car, Then they push Higher Cab Surge pricing with Zero public transportation. You will own nothing and be .. happy ….or sad ?
Congress slams new taxi surge fare
National spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, Supriya Shrinate, sarcastically thanked the government for doubling the base fare during peak hours. She posted on various social media platforms, “If you ride an Ola, Uber, or Rapido? Get ready to pay more. Govt has allowed cab aggregators. To double the base fare during peak hours. To charge a 10% penalty for cancellation. Thank you Modi ji”.
