Uber’s New Benefit: Missed Your Flight Due to a Cab Delay? Get Up to Rs 7,500 Compensation!

Uber’s Latest Initiative: Missed Your Flight? You Could Be Compensated Up to Rs 7,500

Mumbai’s traffic congestion and poor road conditions have often led to delayed commutes, causing passengers to miss their flights. To address this issue, Uber has launched a new facility aimed at providing financial relief to affected passengers.

Mumbai’s Road Woes Affecting Travelers

The deteriorating state of Mumbai’s roads has become a significant concern. With numerous roads under construction and potholes making travel unpredictable, daily commuters are facing constant delays. Many frustrated travelers have taken to social media to voice their grievances. Given the ongoing roadwork covering 701 km across the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has temporarily halted new excavation projects to prevent further disruptions.

Uber’s ‘Missed Flight Connection Cover’

To alleviate passengers’ concerns, Uber has introduced a compensation scheme for those who miss their flights due to traffic congestion or road conditions. Under the ‘Missed Flight Connection Cover,’ affected passengers can claim up to Rs 7,500 as compensation. Additionally, if an accident occurs during the ride, Uber will cover medical expenses, including doctor’s fees and treatment costs.

Launch of the Compensation Scheme

This initiative was rolled out in late February in collaboration with Reliance General Insurance. According to Uber representatives, many drivers had expressed reluctance to accept airport rides due to the difficulty in reaching on time. To address this concern, Uber introduced an insurance plan at a nominal charge of just Rs 3 per ride.

Challenges Faced by Drivers

The Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh (MRRKS) has highlighted that drivers make every effort to reach their destinations promptly. However, due to heavy traffic and poor roads, actual travel times are often much longer than the estimates provided in the Uber app. Anand Kute, MRRKS’s organizing secretary, mentioned that wait times at the airport have significantly increased, discouraging drivers from accepting such rides.

How to Claim Compensation

To be eligible for compensation, passengers must ensure that their destination is set as the ‘airport’ while booking their ride. Additionally, the booking must be made at least 90 to 120 minutes before the scheduled departure to allow for proper time estimation. To file a claim, passengers will need to submit the following documents:

• Claim form

• Booking reference number and ride details

• Flight ticket and an official airline document confirming the missed flight or refund status

• New flight ticket

• A copy of a bank check for NEFT transfers

An Uber spokesperson emphasized that correct ride booking and accurate travel time estimation are crucial when availing of the insurance benefit.

Driver Strike Amid Earnings Concerns

Amidst ongoing issues, Uber drivers at Mumbai Airport staged a strike on Tuesday evening, citing declining earnings due to high commission rates and worsening road conditions. Drivers reported that Uber’s 25-30% commission, coupled with longer travel times, has significantly impacted their income. As a protest, many drivers halted operations between 5 PM and 9 PM.

With this new initiative, Uber aims to address both passenger inconveniences and driver concerns, offering a practical solution to Mumbai’s challenging traffic conditions.