'Rs 700 for 1.8 km': Gurgaon man slams Uber, Ola surge pricing with a Harshad Mehta twist

Surge pricing on cab aggregators like Uber and Ola have left users with a bitter experience. (Representational)

The frustration over cab service surge pricing has reached a tipping point, as professionals and daily commuters alike voice their discontent. In a recent LinkedIn post, Surya Pandey, a Product Management professional at Sprinklr, highlighted the irony of how companies like Uber and Ola, once hailed as the solution to cab accessibility and affordability, are now becoming synonymous with exorbitant fares and unreliability.

Pandey’s post humorously suggests that had he invested in Uber’s surge pricing model instead of the stock market, he might have rivalled infamous stockbroker Harshad Mehta in terms of profits.

“After just three raindrops in Gurugram, you’re staring at a screen demanding 300% more for a ride—only to be left stranded for three hours,” Pandey remarked, pointing out the absurdity of surge pricing during even the lightest of drizzles. His creative workaround? Politely asking someone at the parking exit for a lift home, as surge prices can render even short distances—like his 1.8 km commute—unaffordable.

Pandey also questioned the logic behind fare structures, noting, “Seriously, who decided that a 7-seater should cost more than a WagonR?” This sentiment has resonated with many who are increasingly turning to alternative transportation methods, whether it's relying on the generosity of strangers or opting for traditional taxis.

One commenter shared a similar experience, stating, "I travel a lot throughout the day, but I stopped using Ola or Uber in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Kolkata. They are definitely not the reliable source of booking taxis. Mostly kali-peelis are better, and their charges are also static."

Others echoed this frustration, with one user noting that in some cases, auto-rickshaw fares even surpass those of cabs, making the situation all the more frustrating for daily commuters. Another commenter recalled the need to hitch rides from random bike riders during an internship in Gurugram.

“That's true for real! I remember taking a lift from random bike riders during my internship period in Gurugram in the previous month,” they wrote.

With the rainy season here, several metro cities see massive surcharges even for short distances. Many drivers refuse to go citing traffic or ask for extra, even on top of the surge pricing.