"Excessively high prices will discourage passengers from ordering rides." - Bolt's Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed

 

The news:  

• Ride-hailing drivers demand a 200% increase in fares, which Bolt believes will negatively impact their earnings.
• Ride-hailing drivers embarked on a nationwide strike on June 7, 2023, to get employers to heed their demands.
• Although active drivers claim to be unaware of the strike, they indicated support, saying the increase in fuel prices has made things difficult for them.

Bolt's Nigeria Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed said the company considered supply and demand before adjusting prices.

"Excessively high prices will discourage passengers from ordering rides, thus negatively impacting drivers’ earnings. Therefore, our revised fares aim to strike a balance between better compensation for drivers and manageable prices for passengers," Mohammed told Techpoint Africa.

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON) directed ride-hailing drivers to embark on a nationwide strike yesterday, June 7, 2023, until their demands were met.

See also: South Africa Bans Uber And Bolt Drivers From Soweto Malls

Interestingly, some Bolt drivers saw bonuses of up to ₦6,000 ($12) on their driver app yesterday, June 7, 2023. This looks like a union-busting tactic Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee if the US describes as temporary bribery.

Bolt is giving a ₦6,000 bonus to drivers? 

Yes, drivers that have decided to work during the strike have been awarded bonuses of up to ₦6,000. One driver told Techpoint Africa that he received a ₦3,000 bonus.

Drivers can also stand a chance of earning more when there's a shortage of drivers on the road as Bolt increases price surge to encourage more drivers to become active.

What are the conditions for getting Bolt's ₦6,000 bonus? 

To be eligible for Bolt's bonus, drivers need to complete nine consecutive trips on either cash or card payment, and not cancel any trip.

While ride-hailing drivers need a price increase to make up for a spike in fuel prices, an increase in price could also be detrimental to them as riders will seek cheaper alternatives.

Source: techpoint.africa