During the recent Tihar festival, the popular ride-hailing app InDrive came under fire as users flooded social media with complaints about steep fare increases. Many reported that rides, especially on the day of Bhai Tika, were priced significantly higher than usual, sparking concerns of potential exploitation during the festive season.
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One Twitter user’s post highlighted the issue, saying, “They charged Rs 1380 from Nayabazar to Shantinagar Gate, Kathmandu…where are the so-called consumer welfare activists?”
InDrive attributed the surge to a “technical issue,” claiming it lasted for only a short period; however, riders reported high fares throughout the day. The company stated that its fare system is based on mutual agreement between driver and passenger, and thus no refunds would be provided.
This incident has brought attention to the lack of regulatory oversight in Nepal’s ride-sharing industry. Officials from the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Transport Management in Bagmati Province acknowledged the need for clear regulations, as current laws do not allow intervention in ride-share pricing practices.
The incident has amplified calls for government action to prevent similar occurrences in the future, particularly on public holidays when transportation options are limited.
