Bolt Ghana has rolled out a new pricing system in Kumasi, allowing customers to adjust the cost of their trips by topping up, reducing, or maintaining the original fare.
The move aims to address driver concerns over earnings but has drawn mixed reactions from both drivers and riders.
Why it matters
- Drivers previously struggled with low earnings under the old pricing system, often negotiating with passengers to adjust fares based on trip distance and duration.
- This practice led to passenger discomfort, fare disputes, and cancelled trips, hurting the app’s popularity and efficiency in Kumasi.
What they’re saying
- A Bolt driver explained the challenges under the old regime: “With the distance we cover and the 10% commission we pay to Bolt, we often incur losses. That’s why some of us requested offline payments.”
- Another driver highlighted Kumasi’s unique dynamics: “In Accra, price surges are frequent, helping drivers earn more. But in Kumasi, surges only happen during rain, which doesn’t sustain our income.”
Zoom in
The new pricing feature is currently limited to Kumasi, as Bolt explores a more flexible model tailored to local market conditions.
Source: My Joy Online