A woman from Ghaziabad has sparked widespread concern after sharing screenshots of inappropriate WhatsApp messages she received from a Rapido bike taxi driver following a ride. The messages, which included compliments on her appearance, questions about her personal life, and a suggestion to meet, were posted by the woman on Instagram along with a short clip of the ride. The post quickly went viral in April 2026, raising serious questions about passenger safety, driver conduct, and the handling of customer contact details by ride-hailing platforms.
In the now-viral post, the woman (who has not revealed her full name publicly) wrote that she had booked a Rapido bike for a routine trip. After the driver dropped her off, he initiated contact via WhatsApp. The conversation began innocently but quickly turned uncomfortable.
The Messages That Sparked Outrage
According to the screenshots shared by the woman:
- The driver started with: “Pehchaana nahi? Abhi toh drop karke aaya hoon” (Didn’t recognise me? I just dropped you off).
- When she asked if he was the Rapido rider, he confirmed and began complimenting her: saying she looked “cute” and that she looked nice in traditional clothes.
- He then asked personal questions such as her age and whether she lived alone.
- He went on to suggest meeting her the next day at 4 pm.
The woman immediately blocked the driver after receiving these messages. In her post, she expressed discomfort and warned other women about the potential misuse of contact details provided during ride bookings.
Have a look at the original video
Rapido’s Official Response
Rapido responded publicly to the viral post, issuing an apology and condemning the driver’s actions. The company stated that the driver’s conduct was “unethical” and “completely unacceptable.” They assured that the matter was being taken seriously and that appropriate action would be taken against the driver, including possible deactivation from the platform.
The company also reminded users that any misuse of customer information violates their strict policies and that they encourage passengers to report such incidents immediately.
Public Reaction: Concern, Anger & Calls for Better Safety
The video and post triggered strong reactions online:
- Many women shared similar experiences of receiving unsolicited messages from ride-hailing drivers after trips.
- Users criticised the platforms for not having stricter safeguards on sharing contact numbers.
- There were calls for mandatory verification, better background checks for drivers, and an option for passengers to opt out of sharing phone numbers.
- Some defended the need for accountability, saying one bad driver should not tarnish the entire industry, but most agreed that passenger safety must be the top priority.
The incident has renewed discussions about women’s safety while using cab and bike taxi services in Indian cities, especially after dark or in isolated areas.
Broader Issue: Safety Concerns with Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing platforms like Rapido, Uber, and Ola have transformed urban mobility in India, but they have also faced recurring complaints regarding:
- Drivers misusing customer contact details.
- Inappropriate messages or calls after rides.
- Inadequate background verification of drivers.
- Lack of quick response mechanisms for safety issues.
Companies have introduced features like SOS buttons, ride-sharing with trusted contacts, and driver rating systems, but incidents like this show that more needs to be done.
