CCPA To Investigate Cab Services Apps Over Fare Discrepancies Between Android, Apple Devices

Action can be taken against companies providing cab services through the app on complaints of charging different fare for Android and Apple devices. The Central Government has directed the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to conduct a detailed investigation into this matter. CCPA has been asked to submit a report in this regard soon.

“This prima facie appears to be an unfair practice,” Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said in a post on social media platform X on Thursday. He has termed this as a major violation of consumers’ right to transparency. CCPA Food delivery and ticket booking apps will also be investigated. Joshi said that harassment of consumers will not be tolerated.

Recently, CCPA had also taken action on a large number of complaints regarding deficiencies in the service of electric scooters of electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric. The CCPA had issued a show cause notice to Ola Electric and directed the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to audit the matter. After this, Ola Electric had said that the company has provided necessary information and clarification on the show cause notice issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. The company had said that out of about 10,644 complaints filed by customers with CCPA, it has resolved 99.1 percent of the complaints.

The company had also offered backup electric scooters and cab coupons if the repair of electric scooters took more than a day. Earlier this month, CCPA had asked the company to provide additional documents regarding the notice given to it on alleged violations of consumers’ rights and unfair business practices. An email was sent to Ola Electric by CCPA in this regard on December 4. The company was asked to provide the information sought in this email within 15 days. Sales of electric two-wheelers have increased rapidly in the last few years. Ola Electric has the highest share in this segment.