As the nationwide strike by ride-hailing drivers continues, Bolt has made efforts to incentivize drivers operating on its app, but their actions have failed to impress the drivers.
In response to the ongoing strike demanding an increase in the base fares charged by Uber and Bolt in Nigeria, Bolt has introduced a bonus of N6,000 for the striking drivers. However, this bonus comes with several conditions, such as completing between 9 to 11 trips, working a minimum of 7 hours, and accepting up to 90% of orders. Additionally, the ride-hailing company has raised its surge pricing by 5% as a means to motivate drivers during peak demand. Despite these new offers from Bolt, drivers who spoke to TechCabal expressed their lack of satisfaction.
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The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON) considers Bolt’s actions inadequate. Comrade Idris Shonuga, a national trustee of the union, stated, “The N6,000 bonus is not inherently bad; it’s simply an attempt to justify their mistake. The operating costs for drivers have increased. It’s basic mathematics; you don’t need to give away money. Do the right thing.”
Shonuga also emphasized that Bolt has yet to recognize AUATWON as the representative of ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria. He believes Bolt should engage in a dialogue with the ride-hailing union to address the pricing dispute. “Bolt merely acts as a mediator; they cannot determine the service price without involving the stakeholders. The prices they have set in response to the fuel price hike do not align with the drivers’ and partners’ (car rentals) profits,” he argued. “The union’s position is to hold a roundtable discussion with all the stakeholders of ride-hailing platforms.”
Celestine Finbar, a Bolt driver, voiced his opinion to TechCabal, stating that if Bolt genuinely wants to assist drivers with incentives, they should remove the conditions. He remarked, “Don’t impose conditions on what you claim to be a bonus. Is the N6,000 even free? You have to complete numerous trips to earn that money, but with what fuel?”
Finbar believes that Bolt could improve its approach by reducing its commission. “Since they [Bolt] have N6,000 to offer, why don’t they lower their commission? That would motivate more drivers to hit the road. The lower the commission, the more drivers will be willing to drive,” he suggested. Finbar has chosen to cease working until Bolt reevaluates its pricing.
Felix, another driver who preferred to be identified by his first name, finds the conditions for the bonus to be absurd. He remarked, “All we are asking is for Bolt to increase the base fare. Setting conditions for such a small bonus seems ridiculous, especially when they will still collect their own commission after the numerous trips. So, I fail to see the point,” he told TechCabal.
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