AZE.US
Passengers in Baku are increasingly complaining that some taxi drivers refuse orders paid by card or ask for cash after accepting the ride.
According to passengers, drivers often respond faster when the payment method is cash. When card payment is selected, passengers may have to wait longer, and in some cases drivers cancel the trip or ask for the fare to be transferred to their personal bank card.
Some passengers say drivers prefer cash because card payments are charged strictly according to the app’s fare. With cash, they believe drivers may expect the amount to be rounded up or paid in a more favorable way.
Experts say the main reason for drivers’ dissatisfaction is linked to the financial settlement process between taxi companies and drivers. Payments made by card are not always transferred to drivers immediately and may arrive several days later.
According to specialists, some companies transfer funds to drivers once every three to five days, while others do so on a weekly basis. For taxi drivers who have daily expenses such as fuel, car maintenance and personal costs, such delays can create serious problems.
Passengers who face unjustified ride cancellations or demands for cash payment can file a complaint with the taxi company. They can also contact the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency through the 141 call center or the agency’s official social media accounts.
Experts say complaints alone will not solve the issue. The financial settlement process between taxi companies and drivers needs to be accelerated. Otherwise, tensions between passengers, drivers and ride-hailing platforms may continue to grow.
AZE.US