Uber, Bolt drivers embark on week-long strike
Uber and Bolt drivers have begun a week-long warning strike action in Lagos. The drivers on the ride-hailing platforms are making demands of a downward review of the commission paid on every ride from 25% to 10%.
The drivers of Bolt (formerly Taxify), and American technology company, Uber, convening under the umbrella of the Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private-owners Association (PEDPA), have pinned their request on how pricing on the platforms no longer match the rapidly changing economy.
During a press conference in Lagos, Idris Shonuga, National President of PEDPA, at a news conference in Lagos, called for immediate upward review of e-cab fares to reflect the current economic reality in the country.
Shonuga in an interview with TechCabal said: “What they do is deploy an app which facilitates links with riders and they charge a commission. We bear the running costs of fuelling the car and take all the associated risk of managing and running our vehicles.”
“Unfortunately, they fail to give us a say, they keep fixing the price ridiculously low and we’re selling below the cost price.”
He noted that the association wrote several letters to the companies which were not attended to, “showing nonchalant attitude towards our plight”.
According to the President, over 95 per cent of e-hailing transactions are consummated through Uber and Bolt platforms. He added that the companies had refused to review its pricing despite unprecedented increases in the price of fuel; vehicles spare parts, food items and other essential commodities in the country.
“Your companies have failed, refused and neglected to honor our request for a meeting to discuss issues beneficial to all e-hailing drivers in Nigeria.And to fashion a harmonious relationship that will benefit, dignify and improve the standard of living of e-hailing drivers, private car owners and the general standard of e-hailing business in the country.”
He added: “Instead of fixing a new and reasonable fare in line with inflation, the companies have recklessly continued to maintain the low fare, thereby, impoverishing hard working young Nigerians who are diligently and lawfully trying to make a decent living.”
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