2nd June 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal Police have issued a strict warning to ride-sharing drivers. They must not charge passengers more than the official fare. The police acted after receiving many complaints about unfair charges.
Nepal Police Warns Overcharging Drivers
Rising Complaints Over High Fares
Passengers have reported that some ride-sharing drivers demand extra money. These drivers use apps like Pathao, Indrava, and Tootle. They also negotiate fares offline, which increases the cost for riders. People feel cheated and unhappy with these practices.
The police noted that these problems have increased recently. This happened after public transport services were suspended. As a result, more people started using ride-sharing options. However, some drivers took advantage of the situation. They raised fares arbitrarily, causing trouble for commuters.
Transport Shutdown Triggers Fare Hikes
The transport business announced a complete halt of public transportation. This forced many to turn to ride-sharing apps. Soon after the shutdown, drivers began charging higher fares. They updated these increased prices on the apps early this morning.
Since public buses and other transport were not available, demand for ride-sharing surged. This gave some drivers the chance to charge more than usual. The rise in fares was sudden and unregulated. Many passengers struggled to find affordable rides.
Offline Bargaining Adds To Passenger Burden
Apart from app-based fare increases, drivers also bargained offline. This means drivers and passengers discussed fares in person, outside the app system. In many cases, this led to passengers paying even more.
Offline bargaining is illegal and causes confusion. Passengers often do not know the correct fare. As a result, they end up paying higher charges. Complaints about this practice came from several parts of the city. It affected passengers using popular platforms such as Pathao, Indrava, and Tootle.
Nepal Police Calls For Public Cooperation
In response, Nepal Police have urged the public to report such cases. They want passengers to stand against unfair fare practices. The police ask anyone facing overcharging to contact them immediately.
You can report incidents by visiting the nearest traffic police office. Alternatively, you can call the helpline number, 103. The police assured that they will act swiftly on all complaints. They will take necessary action against those who break the rules.
The police warned drivers to avoid such behavior. They said: “We have received many complaints about offline bargaining and fare hikes. Drivers must stop these activities. If anyone is caught doing this, report it to the traffic police or call 103.”
The Police’s Official Statement
The Nepal Police Central Office released a clear notice today. It said, “There are many reports about ride-sharing drivers charging extra fares through offline bargaining. We ask all drivers to stop this practice. Passengers who face overcharging should report to the nearest traffic police office or call 103.”
This message shows how seriously the police view the issue. They want fair service during the current transport crisis. They also want to protect passengers from being exploited.
Impact Of Public Transport Suspension
The halt of public transportation has made life difficult for many. Ride-sharing became the only option for many commuters. This sudden increase in demand created a problem. Some drivers abused the situation by raising prices without a reason.
This made daily travel costly and stressful for passengers. The government and police want to ensure that ride-sharing remains affordable. They have asked companies and drivers to follow fair pricing strictly.
Passengers Should Stay Alert
Passengers should always check fare rates before starting a trip. They should avoid offline bargaining with drivers. Using only the official app’s fare system will help prevent overcharging.
If you feel the fare is unfair, do not hesitate to report it. Call the police helpline at 103 or visit the nearest traffic police station. Reporting helps the authorities take action and stop dishonest drivers.
Ride-Sharing Companies Urged To Monitor Drivers
Besides police warnings, ride-sharing companies are also under pressure. They must monitor their drivers closely. Companies should ensure drivers follow set fare rates.
Many users trust these platforms because of their transparent pricing. Any deviation harms the company’s reputation and causes distrust among users.
Therefore, companies should provide clear fare policies. They should train drivers on ethical practices. Also, companies must have quick complaint-handling systems.
Conclusion: Fair Fares Are A Must
Nepal Police’s warning is a timely step to protect passengers. Overcharging and offline bargaining damage public trust. With public transport halted, ride-sharing must remain fair and safe.
Passengers are encouraged to use official apps properly. They should stay informed about fare rates and report any misuse. Meanwhile, drivers and companies must act responsibly.
Only then can the ride-sharing system serve the public well. Nepal Police will continue to monitor the situation closely. They promise strict action against anyone breaking the rules.
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