Uber/Bolt drivers in Nigeria continue to protest and are demanding for better pricing systems that they can control and higher earnings from companies like Uber and Bolt. They want to set their own fares for each trip. These drivers believe they should decide their pay since they provide the service.
Technext reports that a particular e-hailing driver named Zino uses a unique way to protest. He negotiates fares with riders through the app’s messaging section. Usually, offline trips involve drivers meeting riders, negotiating a higher price than the app’s fare, and either canceling the trip or completing it, keeping the extra money.
Zino, however, negotiates directly on the app so that the companies can see it. He discusses the destination with the rider in the chat section before naming his price. Though this goes against the app companies’ rules, Zino sees it as his way of protesting.
According to him, “These companies don’t own, maintain, or fuel the cars, but they set unbelievable prices. Riders who agree offline know what they’re doing because some drivers have explained to them how unfair the companies are to drivers.”
He revealed that many Uber/Bolt drivers protest in various ways. Some stay home, some use the app to campaign against Uber and Bolt’s unfair policies, some delete the app, and some post bad reviews on social media. He added, “For me and some other drivers, we will keep fighting. If the companies block us, so be it. Sooner or later, an app that listens to drivers will come along.”
It’s noteworthy that InDrive already lets drivers set their own prices. When a rider requests a trip on InDrive, the app shows a recommended price, and drivers can respond with their own prices. The rider then chooses their preferred driver based on these prices.
This model is popular with many drivers, but not all. Some drivers think the app still forces them to accept low fares by pretending to give them a choice. They believe this because the driver who sticks to the recommended price usually gets the ride, while others ask for higher fares. These drivers feel that a truly fair app wouldn’t make them compete against each other for rides.
According to Zino, “A company like Uber or Bolt shouldn’t set the price for your services. You should set your price based on road conditions. Don’t let app companies take advantage of you. If they want to set the price, they should buy the car, maintain it, and hire a driver with a set salary.”
