A passenger who said he had an uneventful ride home from the airport was shocked to be hit with a $150 cleaning fee for a mess in what appeared to be a different vehicle.

The incident, reported by the New York Times Business section, highlights growing concerns over ride-hailing companies charging passengers for damages they claim never occurred.

Lyft has faced mounting criticism over aggressive cleaning fee policies, with users alleging mistaken identity and poor communication. The company maintains that fees are applied based on driver reports and photo evidence, though passengers argue the burden of proof remains unclear.

This case adds to ongoing scrutiny of Lyft's dispute resolution process, as riders seek refunds and greater transparency in how charges are assessed.