Bengaluru Drivers Detail Late-Night Fare Disputes and Safety Woes in Koramangala

App-based cab drivers operating across Bengaluru, including areas near Garuda Mall in Koramangala, have reported mounting late-night difficulties involving intoxicated passengers, unpaid fares, and severe legal complications.

Tanveer Pasha, president of the Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association, cited an alleged incident near Garuda Mall in Koramangala where an intoxicated female passenger was vomiting and unable to stand or speak properly. When the driver tried to support her, she allegedly objected and began shouting at him.

Following the commotion, police arrived at the scene. The woman's boyfriend later arrived and took her away without paying the ride fare. According to Pasha, the couple allegedly filed a sexual assault complaint against the driver the next day, which included an allegation that he attempted to rape her.

Drivers stated that such incidents add severe stress to an already difficult job. Pasha noted that cab drivers are forced to handle these complex situations amid strained personal finances, with heavy traffic reducing daily earnings while overall living costs continue to rise across the city.

In addition to legal vulnerabilities, drivers reported frequent financial losses from vehicle soiling and unpaid fares. Arfath, a Yelahanka-based driver who has been driving since 2017, said passengers sometimes vomit inside his vehicle after late-night trips. Cleaning the car costs up to Rs 500, an expense drivers cannot manage themselves. When passengers refuse to pay for cleaning, drivers bear the loss directly.

Drivers also described safety concerns for intoxicated women passengers who fall asleep or cannot identify their homes at drop-off time. In such instances, drivers said they often wait for relatives to arrive or seek help from apartment security guards before leaving the location.

Fare recovery is another persistent issue highlighted by app-based driver N Ashok. Passengers sometimes fall asleep upon reaching their destination or refuse to pay. Recovering unpaid money is particularly difficult because ride-hailing applications mask customer contact details once a ride is officially closed. Drivers noted that non-payment disputes are more significant on long-distance and airport trips, where fares range from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 or more, as well as during group travel and multiple-drop rides.