Opinion – Maria Inês Dolci: Gasoline prices weaken transport apps

Regrettably, the explosion in fuel prices — gasoline already costs, on average, R$ 6.71 a liter, and almost R$ 8 in Bagé (RS) — is destroying the reliability of transport applications.

Mainly in the biggest cities of the country, the number of cancellations of trips already confirmed has multiplied. Consumers are left with three options: use public transport, pay more for a taxi, or request vehicles much earlier.

There are even worse situations, in which the driver withdraws from the race when the customer has already got into the car, forcing him to cancel it to request another vehicle, and to pay a fee.

What to do in cases like this? Certainly, it would be too risky to argue with the driver. Complaints must be made to the nearest Procon and the application company. Among the apps that offer these services, there are Uber and 99, which were notified by Procon-RJ to clarify why complaints regarding their services have increased so much.

Another option for the consumer is to get information from family, friends, colleagues, on social networks and websites about the services with the most complaints. Those who work for companies with a transport agreement can also notify their employer if they face excessive travel cancellations.

Some drivers admit to the abusive practice, claiming that short runs are harmful. As the economy will continue ungoverned, piercing all the red lights of inflation, it is up to the Procons and the Justice to defend passengers from these abuses. A good measure would be to end the cancellation fee for a driver with many complaints.

Anyone who can ride a bike will be free from these problems, and will be good for health and the environment. We’ve had something full for a long time, and it’s not the car’s tank or the wallet.’