Chennai: For travellers landing at the city airport, the last mile home has long been the most unpleasant part of the trip. Passengers say cab drivers, working as a cartel, demand more money than the fare shown on aggregator apps. Those who refuse have their rides cancelled, and the drivers then wait longer for higher fares.Passengers say drivers are turning the apps’ technology to their advantage. “When hundreds of passengers come out of the airport at a time, there is a natural surge in demand for cabs,” said P Gopal, a businessman and frequent flyer. “Drivers exploit this by demanding more money. If we refuse, they cancel the trip. When we book again, the fare rises automatically, citing surge demand. The next driver also asks for more, and he knows we cannot afford to cancel again,” he said.Rajesh C, another frequent flyer, has stopped taking cabs from apps at the airport. He now hires a private travel operator’s vehicle to get home. “I end up paying more, but at least I don’t have to haggle,” he said. But private operators are not allowed to pick up passengers at the new plaza. “I have to walk to the multi-level parking lot to board the vehicle. AAI should allow all vehicles to pick up passengers at the plaza,” he said.Other passengers said drivers justify the extra charges by pointing to the airport’s high parking fee, and some ask for a tip after passengers board. “The distance between the airport and Tambaram is hardly 10km, but some aggregators charge ₹1,000 for the trip,” another flyer said.GRAPHICWhere to report overcharging by cab drivers at Chennai airportCab aggregatorsWti Cabs: 92661 59355 (T1), 92661 59356 (T2), 91598 99925 (T4)Uber: 99407 46993Ola: 79045 48305Fast Track: 80987 35852Rapido: 96295 53431Prepaid taxi: 99418 28222Parking licensee63794 28539Write to AAIpgo_chennai@aai.aeroapdchennai@aai.aero
