Bengaluru software engineer drives Rapido to pay bills, sees gig workers’ struggles first-hand
A Bengaluru software engineer who began driving for Rapido on weekends to pay off a hefty credit card bill says the experience gave him an unexpected glimpse into the challenges faced by India’s gig workers.
What started as a way to earn some extra income ended with a cracked helmet after an altercation with a passenger, leaving him with a new appreciation for the risks many ride-hailing captains face every day.
In a Reddit post, the engineer said he signed up as a Rapido captain after moving into a rented room and purchasing basic household essentials left him with a large credit card bill. Instead of borrowing money, he decided to use his free weekends to earn extra income by accepting rides.
“I love riding bikes anyway, and my weekends are usually free. So I thought, ‘Why not do Rapido or Uber rides for a few hours?'” he wrote.
A WEEKEND SIDE HUSTLE THAT STARTED WELL
For the first few weeks, the side hustle exceeded his expectations. After completing around 20 rides, he said most passengers were polite and friendly, making him wonder why more people didn’t consider gig work as a weekend source of income.
That perception changed in a single ride.
ONE INCIDENT CHANGED HIS PERSPECTIVE
One weekend, the engineer arrived at a pickup location where a customer’s companion demanded that he cancel the ride. When he explained that captains are penalised for cancellations and requested that the customer cancel instead, the situation escalated.
The man struck his helmet hard enough to crack its visor. Rather than argue or risk further confrontation, the engineer rode away.
The incident left him with more than a damaged helmet. It made him realise that, unlike him, many gig workers cannot simply walk away.
“I chose to do this. If I don’t like it, I can simply stop taking rides next weekend. It’s just extra income for me. But what about the people whose entire livelihood depends on these platforms?” he wrote.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON GIG WORKERS’ DAILY REALITY
The incident fundamentally changed his perspective on app-based work. Behind every completed ride, he said, are workers dealing with abusive customers, intoxicated passengers, arbitrary cancellations, damaged vehicles and constant safety risks, all while trying to earn enough to support themselves and their families.
He also argued that ride-hailing captains often have fewer avenues for support than customers when disputes arise, leaving many to absorb the financial and emotional costs of difficult encounters.
REDDIT USERS SAY THE STORY REFLECTS A HARSH REALITY
The post resonated with Reddit users, many saying it highlighted a reality that customers rarely see. While the engineer could walk away from the platform at any time, full-time gig workers often have no such option, making abuse, uncertainty and safety risks an occupational hazard rather than an isolated incident.
His experience served as a reminder that every ride booked through an app involves a worker navigating challenges that most passengers never witness, and that a little patience, courtesy and respect can make a significant difference.
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