Thousands of Taxify riders continue to suffer fraudulent billings in the hands of their drivers.
On Monday, a Taxify rider requested a ride from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Thika only to receive a Sh3,100 bill.
This was way above the estimated fares which ranged between Sh2150-2450.
Upon taking a closer look at their receipt, the user, picked up by a driver only identified as Edwin in a KCN 877E, realized that the distance charged was 90 kilometres instead of 58 kilometres.
They sent complaints via email, called their customer service (0732677171) number which was switched off, and are yet to hear back from Taxify.
In May, the Business Daily exposed a section of rogue Taxify and Uber taxi drivers who use dummy apps that interfere with the authentic apps location (GPS) readings. These apps then create a parallel travel path that prolongs the journey hence hiked charges.
Taxify has in the past admitted to noticing the use of fake GPS itinerary but maintains that its drivers cannot manipulate trip distances.
“Please note that drivers cannot manipulate trip distances as this is calculated in real time as the vehicle moves. At the end of every trip, the passengers are able to confirm the fare directly from the app. A receipt is immediately sent on the email to validate how the trip was charged,” Taxify country manager Kenya Alex Mwaura is quoted by the Nation.
Speaking on Friday, Taxify General Manager Shivachi Muleji said that they had removed from their system drivers exploiting a loophole in the GPS system.
Read: Kenya Power Blames High Electricity Bills on Faulty Billing System
“Our system regularly identifies drivers who try to abuse the GPS system, after which they are automatically deactivated from the platform,” he said. “All trips are monitored in real time and we encourage passengers to report on overcharges and the whole rider experience.”
Taxify has also been on the spotlight in the recent past for one too many assault cases.
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