Lagos App-Hailing Drivers Plan Protest Over Bolt’s 50% Fare Cut

Drivers who work with the ride-hailing service Bolt are planning to protest in Lagos after the company decided to cut fares by 50%.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Chapter, has strongly criticized this decision, saying it will make it hard for drivers to earn enough money and push many into financial trouble.

Steven Iwindoye, the Public Relations Officer for AUATON’s Lagos State chapter, spoke out against Bolt’s decision in a statement.

He pointed out that this big cut in fares is happening when drivers are already struggling with tough economic conditions.

Iwindoye said that this fare reduction is part of a larger issue in the ride-hailing industry, where companies like Uber, Indrive, and Rida have also been lowering prices significantly.

He mentioned that these price cuts have pushed many drivers to their limits, leading them to unite against what they see as unfair pricing practices that have been going on for a long time.

The union has warned that if Bolt does not change its decision and restore the original fares, it could lead to a major protest by drivers.

Iwindoye emphasized the importance of all drivers coming together, no matter which union they belong to, to make the protest successful.

He suggested that drivers start by writing to Bolt to officially complain about the 50% fare reduction. He believes this will show how unhappy they are and help build support for the protest.

Despite these challenges, Iwindoye is hopeful about the drivers coming together, putting aside any previous disagreements, and focusing on this common goal.

He has called on drivers who have been reluctant to take strong actions in the past to realize the importance of this moment and get involved.

The union is still planning the details of the protest, and the date has not been set yet. However, there is hope that the unity shown by drivers in the next few days will lead to positive changes for the ride-hailing industry in Lagos and across Nigeria.