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

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.