Uber Auto moves to cash-only model, credits and promotions cannot be used; users react to new policy: 'Time to download another app'

Uber India, one of the largest ride-hailing platforms, has recently announced that starting February 18, the auto ride service of the company will operate on a cash-only basis across the country.

The latest change announced by Uber is the company's step to move to a subscription model or a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. They have decided to shift from their earlier commission model for auto rides in India.

Meanwhile, the users have already received notifications about the same, which state, "Auto is now cash-only," indicating a significant shift in the payment method for the service.

How is the new model by Uber Auto different from earlier?

Earlier, Uber autos, which are similar to cab services on the platform, used to run on the system, where Uber charged a commission from the total fare at the end of the journey, but in the new model, Uber suggests a fare, which the user is liable to pay.

However, the process remains the same for cabs and it has now changed for autos. On the other hand, the notification by Uber says that it has changed its position to an intermediary platform that does not get involved with the fares charged.

According to a Hindu report, a spokesperson for Uber has revealed that the change aligns with the industry's move towards a subscription model for drivers. Moreover, competitors like Rapido have adopted a subscription model for drivers, charging around Rs 19 for daily access to their platform.

With the latest move by Uber, the riders and drivers can negotiate fares, and the suggestions are now shown rather than the fixed fare.

Uber users react to the auto cash-only mode

As users have already started receiving notifications about the new payment change in the Uber auto rides, users share their reactions on a Reddit thread.

Some showed their disappointment about the same and said now they will be switching to Rapido, "There goes cheap rides. I'm switching to Rapido... at least the fare is fixed there."

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While another compared Uber's move to Rapido's, saying, "Rapido has similar policies. The final fare is displayed as ¡®Recommended fare.¡¯. "But I¡¯ve never seen a Rapido auto driver argue."

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byu/Chilly-777 from discussion
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"Rapido bike rides are worse (atleast in our state). They demand ? 50-60 extra without any hesitation"

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Another complaint and shared an earlier experience with Uber: "When it happened to me once, I reported the issue to Uber and they automatically refunded the extra money I paid to the driver. Maybe 90% of the drivers accept the final fare estimate."

While one said, "There was lot of pressure from Auto Communist parties (at least in Pune). SaaS companies didn't have choice."

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byu/Chilly-777 from discussion
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"Take whatever payment method, just don't cancel the damn ride". For some people it did not make sense as, especially when more people are moving to UPI every year.

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"Time to download another apps."

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byu/Chilly-777 from discussion
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"Still see the Amazon option"

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Sharing the latest experience one wrote, "I saw this yesterday, then took an auto locally and he charged way too much, beyond a cab's fare. I'm now going to book cabs instead of auto as these local auto vaalas are just pathetic, unreasonable and charge completely stupid fare. I get it they are poor and all that, but if you charge me 250 for a ride where the cab's fare is 180, there is no way I'm going in the auto."
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