Drivers threaten to boycott Uber, inDrive over low fares, demand adjustment

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos state council, has called on ride-hailing companies to review their pricing structure to reflect the country’s economic realities.

On Sunday, reports surfaced online alleging that Bolt, one of the leading ride-hailing platforms, had implemented a 50 percent fare cut.

Osi Oguah, Bolt’s general manager, denied the 50 percent fare reduction but admitted the company had made pricing adjustments.

Oguah explained that the changes were intended to boost demand, help drivers earn more in the long run, and reduce idle time.

However, the move sparked outrage among ride-hailing drivers.

According to NAN, Steven Iwindoye, the Lagos state public relations officer of AUATON, on Tuesday criticised companies like Uber, inDrive, and Rida for imposing fares that he described as “unfair and insensitive” to drivers’ struggles.

“They are drastically undervaluing our services,” he said.

“For instance, when a trip that should rightfully cost N5,000 is reduced to N2,000 at the rider’s discretion, it is an insult to our profession and must not be tolerated.

“There should be a minimum fare benchmark for riders to negotiate within, rather than the current situation where fares are slashed to exploitative levels.

“The continuous price slashes and unfair treatment of drivers by ride-hailing companies have pushed drivers to a breaking point.”

‘WE’RE FORCED TO ACCEPT LOW FARES DESPITE COSTLY SPARE PARTS’

Iwindoye argued that drivers bear the full financial burden of operating their vehicles, including fuel, maintenance, and other expenses, yet they are forced to accept fares that barely cover costs.

He called on all app-based drivers to prepare for a mass boycott of ride-hailing platforms that refuse to address their concerns.

“The cost of living has skyrocketed – cost of fuel, spare parts, vehicle maintenance, rent, food are high; weekly remittances to partners, school fees and even tyre replacements have gone up,” he said.

“It is only logical for drivers to expect an upward fare review.

“The only viable solution is for all drivers to unite, take a stand, and boycott any app-based company that refuses to listen to our grievances.

“We, therefore, call on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to participate in the upcoming protest and join the massive boycott against Indrive, Rida, and Uber”.

The boycott threat comes three weeks after the union asked the federal government for a unified regulatory framework that would supersede states’ rules.

Kolawole Aina, south-west vice-president of AUATON, said about 15 or 17 states have a regulatory framework that has never favoured drivers.