Cab drivers at Chennai airport take passengers for a ride

Venkadesan S / TNN / Updated: Apr 22, 2025, 10:16 IST

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Chennai airport passengers face increasing issues with cab fares and driver behavior. Instances of overcharging and rude service are on the rise, leaving commuters frustrated. One passenger was forced to accept a lower-quality vehicle, while another was significantly overcharged for a short trip.

Cab drivers at Chennai airport take passengers for a ride

CHENNAI: The moment passengers step out of Chennai airport, a new challenge begins — finding a fair cab ride. Complaints about high fares and rude drivers are rising again, with passengers saying they're being left with no choice and little recourse when things go wrong.
R Vasudevan, a resident of Adyar, recently booked a ride with Wise Travel India (WTI) cabs from the airport to his home. Though he paid 1,000 for a premium SUV, he was forced to board an old sedan instead. "The driver was rude when I questioned him. I had no choice but to take the ride. This is outright fraud," he wrote in a post on a social media platform.
His case isn't the only one. In March, a passenger named Kalyan was charged 1,400 to travel to Pammal — just 4km away from the airport. WTI's representative Aasin said that 1,000 is the fixed rate for a sedan to Adyar, while 1,600 for an SUV. But he could not explain the high fare charged for the short trip to Pammal, only suggesting that the destination might have been farther than the passenger claimed. He added that fares are based on kilometres covered but did not provide a rate card or fare breakup.
WTI justifies its pricing by citing the presence of an usher who escorts passengers to the fourth floor of the multi-level parking lot and helps load their luggage. Many passengers say this doesn't justify the fare.

Pre-paid taxi counters at the airport also have similar issues. A commuter who was quoted 1,200 for a ride to Perambur ended up paying 1,700 in cash upon arrival. The Chennai Airport Taxi Owners Association confirmed the overcharging and said disciplinary action was taken. "The vehicle owner has been barred from further operations and the staff at the counter was also penalized," a union representative said.
Airport authorities have said they have issued clear instructions to all cab operators to avoid overcharging. "Passengers who experience any issues can write to us with details. We will take strict action," an official assured.
Key highlights:

Passengers at Chennai airport are raising complaints about being overcharged and misled by cab services, particularly Wise Travel India (WTI). One commuter, promised a premium SUV for Rs 1,000, was forced into an old sedan instead.
WTI justifies high fares citing escort services to the parking lot, but fails to provide clear fare breakdowns or rate cards. A 4-km ride to Pammal reportedly cost a passenger Rs 1,400 without explanation.
Prepaid Taxi Irregularities: Even pre-paid taxi counters are under fire for overcharging. A passenger quoted ?1,200 to Perambur ended up paying Rs 1,700. Airport authorities claim action has been taken and urge affected passengers to report incidents for further resolution.

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