AC or Extra Cash? Ola Uber Employed Cab Drivers Ask Passengers to Pay Extra for AC In Protest Against Companies’ High Commission

A cab driver’s note, which appears to ask Ola and Uber passengers to pay extra for air-conditioned rides beyond the standard fare, has sparked social media attention. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Divya Gandotra Tandon posted an image on X implying that ridesharing companies’ per-booking commission rate has contributed to this demand.

“Dear OLA UBER customers, do not force drivers to commit suicide by demanding air conditioning.” The message reads, “The companies have already broken our backs with 30%-40% commission.”

In her post, Tandon stated that the commission is “too much”.

According to the note, a drivers’ representative body has requested that the rates be reduced, and until they are, passengers are requested to support the AC-related quagmire.

“Should you require AC, you will have to pay an additional ₹5 for each kilometre,” it states.

People commented on Tandon’s post, offering their own perspectives on the issue, with some even proposing solutions that could potentially prevent future disputes.

“Cabs should just ask Ola/Uber to provide an option on the app saying with/without AC and charge accordingly, so that things are smoother for both,” a consumer suggested.

“They could easily leave the aggregators and operate independently. “I don’t understand this mentality of forcing companies to bow down to their demands and causing their customers to suffer as a result,” another said.

The claim that Ola and Uber charge up to 40% commission is likely exaggerated, with most official estimates topping out at 30%.

Ride-hailing partners have also reportedly found a way to avoid these high commissions while retaining the entire fare. The hack is said to involve asking passengers to cancel their bookings and accepting cash at the end of the off-radar ride.