The ride-hailing firm Bolt increased its ride prices, including the minimum charge, a week after Uber moved in the same direction. This move follows several months of pressure from drivers who started protesting the low prices by setting their rates in recent weeks.
Bolt on Monday announced a base fare increase of 10% in all its ride categories. For instance, the base fare for the Economy category will increase from Sh200 to Sh220. The company said it is raising driver earnings, after continuous consultative sessions with drivers on the fairness of ride-hailing firms’ pricing mechanisms.
Drivers have complained of the unfairness in the pricing formula used in the industry. Protests by the drivers in the country saw some setting rates higher than what customers were charged on the apps, an issue which caused public outcry for firms like Bolt and Uber to increase their prices.
Last week, Uber also announced a 10% increase in its prices, including an increase in the minimum fare for its ‘Uber Chap Chap’ product. While it maintained that the decision wasn’t entirely influenced by protests from the drivers, Uber has acknowledged that the feedback played a role.
Linda Ndungu, the General Manager for rides at Bolt, maintained that the price adjustment reflects value for the drivers on the platform and seeks to ensure that they make a decent wage. Little, another ride-hailing firm, has also increased its minimum fare. The economy category at Little has gone up by Sh150.