From Rs 730 To Rs 5194: Kolkata Student Stunned by 700% Fare Surge During Ola Airport Ride In Bengaluru

A student in Bengaluru fell victim to an alleged scam on the Ola app when the displayed fare for his ride from the airport to the city center skyrocketed from Rs 730 to Rs 5,194. Despite the initial indication of a Rs 730 fare, the app later revealed the significantly higher amount, leaving the student in disbelief.

This incident has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with frustrated users demanding an explanation from Ola. Anurag Kumar Singh, arriving from Kolkata, had booked an Ola 'mini taxi' at Bengaluru airport to reach his destination. Upon booking, he boarded the first available cab at the airport taxi bay, assuming the fare was Rs 730.

However, upon reaching Mathikere in the city, Anurag was astonished to discover that the fare had surged to Rs 5,194 from the initially quoted Rs 730, as reported by TOI. Anurag shared, "He found my name on the app after typing the OTP. When we reached the location, he showed me his phone screen, and the amount was Rs 5,194. I was shocked because even if I roam around all of Bengaluru, I wouldn't have to pay Rs 5,000."

After negotiation, the taxi driver agreed to settle for Rs 1600, which was still double the original fare. Anurag, who faced language barriers with Kannada, was assisted by his neighbors. Despite Ola's claim to refund the amount through customer support, the actual resolution does not align with their assurances.