By Tosin Adesile
Lagosians had raised alarm over the indiscriminate hike in prices of fares which has suddenly jumped up twice the usual amount since December began.
December is a month associated with lot of festivities as a result of Christmas and New Year, the period usually records the highest numbers of gigs and shows.
Due to the influx of events, lots of people come in to Lagos to have maximum fun and they need to move about. Many jettison yellow buses this period and prefer to commute through e-hailing platforms as many move in groups.
Drivers, under the e-hailing services popularly known as Uber and Bolt while there are other others like In-drivers app, Rida, Gidi-Cab, O-Ride Driver and a host of Others.
These drivers are known for unwholesome practices while companies in which they operate under usually fail to discipline them when drivers don’t operate within the guidelines except it is a trending matter on social media and they needed to save their image.
This December and in the past are not different as the companies uses the advantage of festivities to increase fares twice the usual amount with no tangible reasons.
Unfortunately, the government hasn’t disappointed the people by being docile as usual. The country hardly interferes in fixing of prices and regulations against exploitation of innocent Nigerians.
According to some drivers who preferred anonymity claims that the two popular app providers took unilateral decisions as they like, fixed inequitable commissions for them, unhealthy trip fares and denied them the right to belong to a union.
They further claim the only time they enjoy good returns is in December when prices go up and there are more demands than supply, it is a good one, people should bear with us.
They also claimed that providers blocked drivers at will without considering their hiring purchase status, showed no empathy to drivers in cases of emergency, loss of lives while on active trip and many other lopsided unethical business practices despite the insurance scheme which should cover for losses.
Also on the part of passengers, they order for trips and fail to come out when drivers arrive and eventually cancel trips at will and nothing will happen.
One of the factors that had caused passengers to pay more is the regulation by Lagos State government on ride-hailing services which commenced on August 20, 2020 and has remained in existence and has added to customers burden to pay more.
The regulation with document titled, “Guidelines for Online Hailing Business Operation of Taxi in Lagos State 2020” issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
According to a user on instagram with account name @iam_RealSkillz said: Is it just me or has @boltapp_ng& @Uber Nigeria in the past weeks added ridiculous amount of money(Up to 100% increment most times, sometimes up to 200% increase) on their fares, same distance, same traffic situations but outrageous increment, just because its December period!!
Responding to the post @queenima said Preach! Yesterday had me shook while @shinebegh said it is not just you ooooo. Meanwhile Bolt is more expensive and Uber now has a thing for always having no cars.
The writer who booked a ride from Shomolu in Lagos to MM2 in Ikeja saw a price of N2500 to N3100 which could be more in case of traffic while Elegushi beach from the same location is between N4600 and N5600. The price had added and there is always information showing increased demand even not at a rushing hour.
It is believed the government will be more serious about regulating prices irrespective of celebrations or high demands. Prices shouldn’t go up at the owner’s discretion.
