In the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Kumasi Bolt drivers have implemented a significant fare increase of 25% to 37.5% for trips costing under GH¢50.

This decision has led to frustration among passengers, who feel they are being unfairly charged. The drivers attribute the fare hike to rising costs of fuel and vehicle spare parts.

“We are not punishing passengers, but we are not being considered either,” said Mr. Baffour Boateng, Chairman of the Ashanti Region Online Drivers Union.

He added, “If the system is too hard for the company to increase fares due to competition, the best they can do is to agree with us and reduce their commission from 25%.”

A Bolt driver in Kumasi justified the action, saying, “Just last week, the government announced a reduction in fuel prices, but let’s be real, it’s too little, too late. Over the past few months, we’ve seen fuel prices skyrocket, and it’s not just fuel; the cost of vehicle spare parts has also gone through the roof, which hasn’t been fair to us.”

Passengers have complained about drivers calling them before pickup to question the app’s calculated fare and pressuring them to add more money to the trip.

“It’s frustrating because the app clearly displays the total cost of the trip, but drivers are ignoring this and demanding extra payment,” one passenger complained.

Mr. Boateng further stated that drivers will continue to “play rough” with passengers if Bolt does not address their concerns. “If Bolt does not increase its fare charge or reduce the commission paid to the company, we will continue to negotiate with passengers for extra money,” he warned.

Hence, passengers using the Bolt app in Kumasi are advised to note that the app’s calculated fare may not be the actual price paid to the driver.

“Whatever charges the app gives, that’s not the actual price paid to the driver,” he advised.