Chaos ensued at transportation hubs as taxi operators in several cities doubled their fares, leaving stranded commuters in a lurch. The sudden surge in pricing followed major disruptions in flight schedules, primarily due to "operational issues" with airlines, causing a ripple effect on ground transportation. However, private bus operators stepped in to mitigate the crisis, offering a much-needed respite to weary travelers.
In Chandigarh, the cancellation of IndiGo flights to Delhi triggered a surge in demand for taxis, particularly among passengers with international connections at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Exploiting the situation, taxi operators allegedly doubled fares, with passengers reporting having to pay ₹10,000 for a trip to Delhi, nearly twice the normal rate of ₹5,000-6,000. Arun Kumar and Naina, en route to Canada, were among those forced to pay the exorbitant fares after their flight was canceled.
Meanwhile, in Nagpur, a similar scenario unfolded as abrupt flight disruptions and cancellations left hundreds of passengers scrambling for alternatives. Private sleeper bus operators emerged as saviors, providing transportation to major metropolitan areas like Mumbai and Bengaluru on short notice. Unlike their taxi counterparts, these bus operators refrained from hiking fares despite the surge in demand. Mukesh Chaurasiya, a private bus operator, stated that they charged normal fares, providing relief to stranded passengers with limited options. Chaurasiya's company operated four to five buses from Nagpur to Mumbai in a single day after flight cancellations, even rerouting buses directly to the airport to pick up stranded passengers. Other private bus operators also confirmed a spike in emergency bookings. Online checks revealed that AC sleeper seats from Nagpur to Mumbai remained below ₹3,000.
The contrasting responses from taxi and bus operators have sparked outrage and highlighted the importance of reliable and ethical transportation services during crises. While some taxi drivers were accused of "greed" for doubling fares, private bus operators were commended for prioritizing passenger welfare over profit.
This incident underscores the need for regulatory oversight to prevent price gouging during emergencies and ensure fair pricing for consumers. Some cities are exploring regionalisation models to consolidate taxi and private hire licensing, which could lead to more consistent rules and better enforcement. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has updated regulations for ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola, permitting them to increase fares up to two times the base fare during periods of high demand.
The situation also highlights the vital role of private bus operators in supplementing existing transportation infrastructure and providing crucial services during disruptions. Their willingness to maintain normal fares during a crisis demonstrates a commitment to serving the public and ensuring that people can reach their destinations without facing unreasonable financial burdens.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical business practices and the need for transportation providers to prioritize the needs of passengers, especially during times of crisis.
