Bolt Reverses Course: Fares Rise After Intense Driver Backlash Over 50% Cut
The prominent ride-hailing platform, Bolt, has reportedly made adjustments to its fare structure, increasing prices just weeks after implementing a drastic 50 percent reduction that sparked widespread anger among its driver community. This significant shift comes as a direct response to immense pressure and protests from drivers across its network, underscoring the critical role drivers play in the volatile gig economy landscape, particularly in the bustling African tech market.
# Driver Reactions and the Road to Reversal
The news of the fare increase was met with a mix of relief and caution from drivers actively using the Bolt app. Sunday, a driver, confirmed the change, noting, “I think they (Bolt) have increased the price now. I have been seeing the normal pricing on this app in the meantime.” He provided a concrete example: a trip from the Airport to Phase 1, which now costs 17,500 Naira on the standard Bolt app and 20,000 Naira for the Comfort option. “So, it is now on the good side. They have fixed it back to the normal price,” Sunday added, indicating an improved outlook from the drivers’ perspective. Another driver, known as Mummy GO, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Bolt has increased their fares. I noticed it with the 2 trips I did this afternoon.” However, despite the positive shift, many drivers highlighted that while prices have indeed gone up, they haven’t fully reverted to the original pre-slash rates. Steven Iwindoye, the Public Relations Officer of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), corroborated this nuanced increase, affirming that the price has been raised, but “not to what it used to be before.”
This partial restoration of fares by Bolt following intense driver opposition highlights the dynamic tension between ride-hailing companies and their essential workforce. While the company has not fully reinstated the previous pricing, the increase signifies a clear concession to driver demands, demonstrating the collective power of app-based transporters to influence company policies. It remains a testament to the ongoing negotiations and evolving dynamics within the rapidly expanding African gig economy.
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