CHENNAI: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has warned cab aggregators operating at the Chennai International Airport that drivers who cancel confirmed bookings and demand higher fares from passengers could be blacklisted and barred from operating at the airport.
The warning is on the basis of complaints from passengers about drivers refusing to honour fares displayed on booking apps. A passenger from Bengaluru recently took to social media to complain that drivers were ignoring app fares and quoting their own prices. “Drivers were completely ignoring the app prices and quoting whatever numbers they felt like. I refused but it cost me 45 minutes,” the passenger said.
Martin Louis, who returned from Delhi after his mother’s funeral, said he had been overcharged by cab drivers at the airport on two occasions. “The app had asked me to pay Rs 450 from the airport to Mugalivakkam. But the driver asked me to pay Rs 750. I had no other option but to walk out of the airport and hire an auto,” he said.
Another passenger alleged that some drivers refused to accept payment through the app and instead asked passengers to transfer the money to their personal accounts. The passenger called for stricter regulation of cab and taxi aggregators and penalties for drivers who charged more than the app fare.
In a statement, the AAI asked passengers to report drivers who cancel confirmed rides and subsequently demand fares higher than those shown in the booking app. Passengers can first approach the counter of the aggregator concerned at the Cab Pick-up Plaza or the West multi-level car park, or lodge a complaint through its social media channels.
If the complaint remains unresolved, passengers can escalate the matter directly to the airport through its social media handles or by calling 044-22560551 or 044-22560512.
The AAI said it would take up complaints with the aggregator concerned. Action against drivers could include blacklisting and withdrawal of permission to operate at the airport. Counters are available for prepaid taxi services.