The Lagos ride-hailing sector is facing renewed attention after the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) accused Bolt of implementing a 50% fare cut, which they claim has significantly affected drivers’ earnings.
Steven Iwindoye, AUATON’s Lagos State Public Relations Officer, warned that a mass protest could follow if the alleged fare reduction is not reversed.
However, in exclusive interviews with news outlets, Bolt drivers Christian and Evans Nwokoro disputed these claims, stating they have not encountered any passengers benefiting from a 50% discount. They clarified that Bolt’s discounts are part of a targeted loyalty program, not a blanket fare cut.
With rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs, fare adjustments have become a critical issue for Nigerian ride-hailing drivers. This latest dispute highlights ongoing concerns about pricing transparency, fair compensation, and the delicate balance between customer incentives and driver earnings.
While fare disputes are not uncommon in the ride-hailing industry, Christian and Evans argue that the situation on the ground differs from the union’s accusations. They maintain that Bolt’s pricing model, although not without its challenges, does not enforce a universal fare reduction. Instead, it offers structured incentives based on customer history.
