Ride-hailing company Bolt has reportedly increased its fare price by over 100%, due to the current fuel scarcity in Nigeria as riders lament bitterly.
The fuel price which has led to the limited availability of commercial buses on the road, has seen riders left with no option but to pay for the exorbitant Tfare.
Some riders revealed that they were tasked by Bolt drivers at the point of pickup to pay extra. While some cooperated, several others did not hesitate to cancel the ride.
Several riders took to Twitter to express their concerns over the increased fare prices on the Bolt app
Check out some reactions below
@KEnwemadu wrote,
“Boltapp, it is pertinent that I call your attention to the sharp increase in the pump price of PMS by 264% in Nigeria, due to the removal of fuel subsidy. In solidarity with other drivers on Bolt, I ask that you review your fare prices to reflect the current market reality.”
@FowobiofLagos wrote,
“So Bolt driver is not putting on the AC because there’s no fuel, will he accept half of the fare price? Or is there a price for not putting on the AC? Egbami”
@Nmesoma_O wrote,
“Left home at 6 am to get to VI and traffic don already choke at that time lol. Oh, bolt fare was 6k+”
@Victory_amah wrote,
“My bolt fare was 1600, gave bolt guy 2k cash and this man was telling me “thank you very much”. Kindly stop playing with me, Sir. I sat there till he gave me my balance. See how everywhere is and you want me to give you odindin 400 naira. Come off it jare”.
Investors King understands that in a swift development, as regards fare prices across ride-hailing platforms in the country, riders are increasingly abandoning industry giants Uber and Bolt to alternative platforms such as Indrive and Rida, as Fare prices on these apps are said to be slightly lower, compared to that of Bolt and Uber.
Meanwhile, some drivers on Bolt and Uber have hinted that there would soon be an official announcement of an increase in fare price given the fuel scarcity and the confirmation of fuel price adjustment by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).