Bolt reportedly migrates to fixed pricing like inDrive as e-hailing fares soar

Leading ride-hailing platform, Bolt may have quietly switched to a fixed pricing system for users and drivers. This is according to submissions made by several drivers operating on the platform.

The drivers told Technext that they observed that unlike previously when price estimates shown to riders may differ from the eventual fare paid at the end of the trip, riders now pay a fixed amount shown to them before they are connected with drivers.

One of the drivers observed that riders no longer ask him for the fares as shown on the drivers’ apps:

“Bolt riders don’t ask for the price after ending a trip again. All they do is make a transfer of the amount they saw when they request because of Bolt’s fixed price,” the driver simply identified as Willie said. 

Another driver, Osemhen, who claimed to have also “experienced” the trend “severally”, described it as shocking that the e-hailing company would quietly switch to a fixed pricing system without informing the drivers.

But one driver, John, said the prices only appear to remain fixed when the trips go as smoothly as projected. The prices only change if there are unexpected occurrences.

“When the trip goes smoothly as projected by Bolt, it looks fixed. But in case of any occurrence, it may still go higher,” he said.

However, another driver, Jude disagreed, describing how he took a trip to Ikorodu and despite driving farther than the destination indicated in the app, the price still did not change.

“I took a trip to Ikorodu on Bolt. I saw 22,300 naira when we got to our destination. The man (rider) took me further inside. He said the place was not on the map. As I was going, I noticed that the Bolt map remained on the expressway. Within, I know the trip will not change. I ended the trip and the same 22,300 naira came out. Thankfully, the man just added 1,000 naira for me,” he narrated.

Bolt is yet to respond to our query at the time of publishing.

Drivers propose charging extra off the Bolt app for delays and extensions

According to the drivers, the fixed pricing system is not favourable.

This is because it does not take into account extra occurrences, delays and extensions that could take place during a trip. Take for instance Jude’s situation above. Despite taking the rider beyond the destination indicated on the app, the final fare did not account for it.

To this end, the drivers are proposing charging the extra costs for delays and journey extensions. Indeed, some of the drivers claim that they have started charging extra by themselves since the company wouldn’t do it.

“I tell most riders now, if u want to branch on our way, you will add money. Don’t tell me it is reading because I don’t want to hear that,” a driver said.

Advising his fellow drivers, a driver, Emmanuel advocated for them to inform riders that the price won’t change for the extra distance and delays so they have to pay directly for it. 

“Just tell them that it (the fare) won’t change and add whatever amounts befit the journey added. Meanwhile, I prefer to negotiate before I drive to pick up. That way we would have already settled based on agreement,” he said.

While e-hailing fares appear to have increased following a skyrocketing in fuel prices, e-hailing drivers nationwide are employing various means to make the most of their gigs while they can.

Recall that a recent report by Technext highlighted the trend of offline negotiations and AC-less rides that have become commonplace in Southern Nigeria. Bolt drivers in Calabar and Uyoput off their air-conditioning during trips.

This was disclosed by riders who used e-hailing services while in those cities.

According to the passengers, the drivers also negotiate their fares, usually double what was quoted on the app to put on air conditioning. One passenger, Ola Dami narrated how he agreed to pay nearly double what was indicated on the app only to be told the double fare does not include air conditioning.

In some way, the ride-hailing companies responded with sanctions to stem the tide. Recall that in December, inDrive told Technext that it had deactivated a Lagos driver who demanded an extra fee for putting on the air conditioning during a ride.

Technext had earlier reported that the male driver and his female passenger clashed in front of Victory Estate in Lagos. In a video which made the round, the irate rider could be seen challenging the driver to justify his demand for an extra 900 naira on the trip. She specifically said she booked the ride on inDrive and chided the company for the bad behaviour of drivers on their platform.

Reacting to the incident, the taxi-hailing app company expressed deep concern about the incident and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for unethical driver behaviour.

Responding to a Technext query, the Public Relations Manager of inDrive Africa, Lineo Thakhisi said the company has already removed the driver from its platform as part of its investigation.

“Demanding additional fees beyond the agreed fare is unacceptable and goes against our commitment to fairness and transparency. We are actively investigating this matter further, and have taken decisive actions, including the immediate removal of the driver from the platform and reaching out to the passenger to offer support,” Thakhisi said.

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