Drivers affiliated with the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) in Rivers State have collectively decided to implement a 50% increase in fares for all trips booked via the Bolt app.
This announcement was made by Comrade Dennis, the chairman of the state task force for the union. He explained that this decision was prompted by Bolt’s recent fare reductions coupled with an increase in the commission charged to drivers.
He further clarified that fare hikes would be suspended only during periods of significant surge pricing, which naturally results in higher earnings for drivers.
“All e-hailing drivers operating in Port Harcourt have unanimously agreed to raise trip fares by 50%, except when the app shows a surge multiplier of 1.5x or higher. Drivers shoulder all operational expenses-including vehicle upkeep, data costs, fuel, and maintenance-without any financial support from Bolt, which merely facilitates connections between drivers and passengers. We urge all riders to understand and support this measure, as it aims to ensure fair remuneration and long-term viability for drivers,” Comrade Dennis stated.
To justify the fare increase, Comrade Dennis compared the current economic conditions with those during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, noting that fuel prices were below ₦400 per litre and a typical trip from GRA to Choba ranged between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000.
In contrast, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fuel prices have surged to ₦900 per litre, yet the same journey now costs only ₦2,700 to ₦3,500.
Related: How Bolt and Uber drivers in Abeokuta have renegotiated app fares by over 100%
He also highlighted the steep rise in spare parts costs, pointing out that brake pads, which were priced between ₦1,500 and ₦1,800 in 2023, now sell for approximately ₦7,000 to ₦8,000.
The union has also urged Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms in Rivers State to lower their commission rates from over 25% to a more reasonable 10%, which would encourage drivers to accept the app’s fare structure again.
Comrade Amos Omoruyi, the Rivers State chairman of AUATON, confirmed the 50% fare increase to Technext and expressed his full endorsement of the collective decision.
“This 50% fare adjustment is a justified and unified response aimed at achieving economic stability and sustainability for drivers across Rivers State. We appeal to the residents of Port Harcourt, our valued passengers, to appreciate and support this initiative. It is not a protest but a necessary step for survival in today’s challenging economic climate,” Omoruyi emphasized.
He reiterated the call for Bolt, inDrive, and other e-hailing companies to reconsider their commission policies, advocating for a reduction from the current rate exceeding 25% to a fairer 10%, fostering a more equitable partnership with Nigerian drivers.
Negotiations Between Bolt and Rivers State Drivers
The fare dispute in Rivers State is part of an ongoing debate over who holds the authority to set trip prices. While ride-hailing companies claim this right, drivers argue that these platforms merely serve as intermediaries connecting service providers with customers.
Given that drivers independently cover all costs associated with completing trips, they question why the platforms should control pricing. This tension is not unique to Rivers State but is prevalent nationwide.
For instance, last year, e-hailing drivers in Abuja proposed a new rate of ₦450 per kilometer. More recently, drivers in Abeokuta have increased fares by up to 200%, citing that Uber and Bolt’s pricing models fail to cover their operational expenses adequately.
“On an average day, I barely earn ₦20,000, which must cover fuel, vehicle maintenance, and personal needs. Just this month, I spent over ₦80,000 replacing shock absorbers alone,” one driver shared.
Also read: AUATON defends Bolt drivers charging extra fares, dismisses fraud allegations
Amos Omoruyi, chairman of AUATON in Rivers State, recently addressed accusations that Bolt drivers charging additional fees are engaging in fraudulent behavior. He dismissed these claims as baseless and harmful to drivers’ reputations.
Omoruyi pointed out that since the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023, ride-hailing apps like Bolt have not adjusted their fare structures to reflect the soaring costs of fuel, vehicle upkeep, spare parts, and living expenses.
As a result, many drivers have exited the industry due to unsustainable earnings, while others have resorted to negotiating fares independently to make ends meet.
“It is crucial to understand that drivers are not engaging in fraud. They are hardworking individuals-parents, youths, and breadwinners-striving to support their families. The occasional fare top-ups requested are a direct outcome of Bolt’s failure to implement fair and sustainable pricing that mirrors current economic realities,” he concluded.
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