Mon Jun 02 05:12:41 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**

**Bengaluru Commuters Demand Probe into Namma Yatri’s “Advance Tipping” Feature**

**Bengaluru, India – June 2, 2025:** Following a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) investigation into Ola and Rapido’s “advance tipping” practices, Bengaluru commuters are calling for an expansion of the probe to include the homegrown ride-hailing app, Namma Yatri. Users allege Namma Yatri pioneered the practice of prompting riders to add tips during peak hours to secure rides, creating a sense of obligation and potentially manipulating ride allocation.

Complaints include being unable to book rides without adding a tip and a lack of transparency regarding where the tip money goes. Some drivers claim they don’t receive the tips added by customers, raising concerns that ride-hailing apps are using them to extract more money.

Union Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi recently directed the CCPA to investigate similar practices by other ride-hailing companies. This came following user complaints that tip practices should be a voluntary gesture of appreciation, not a requirement to secure a ride.

Namma Yatri recently changed its in-app language from “Add a tip” to “Add more (voluntary) to find a ride” following intervention from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). However, users still complain about feeling pressured to tip before their rides are confirmed.

Shan M. S., COO of Namma Yatri, maintains that the “Add More” feature is 100% voluntary and customer-led. He said the app’s model is direct-to-driver, with no commission, no stake in the final fare, no discounts, and no unreasonable surge. He added that the updated UI makes it explicitly clear that it is optional, voluntary, and fully customer-led, and is a voluntary gesture to recognise extra effort by drivers during long waits, distant pick-ups, peak-hour traffic, or return trip availability. It also helps reduce offline negotiations, and supports Mr. Joshi’s call for fairness and transparency.

The controversy highlights growing concerns over unfair trade practices in the ride-hailing industry and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

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