Bolt has revised its fare prices in response to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) demand to review prices following driver’s complaints. However, the controversial taxi-hailing app did not respond to drivers’ complaints about high ride commissions, which are capped at 18 percent.
In a statement to newsrooms, Bolt said the increase was occasioned by the challenging macroeconomic factors affecting the public transport sector, such as the recent fuel price hike by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In Nairobi, the increased prices have been effected in all categories, with the base fare ranging from KES. 70 and KES. 100 across the Economy, Base, Boda and XL categories. The minimum fare has also been increased, with a range of KES. 200 and KES. 250 across the categories. Bolt has also increased per-kilometre pricing and introduced a long-distance rate.
Linda Ndungu, Country Manager, said: “At Bolt, the interests of our driver community remain at the heart of our business and we truly believe that happy drivers provide better quality service for customers. As such, we have adjusted our pricing to mitigate the rising fuel costs. This adjustment reaffirms our commitment to offering top earnings for drivers on our platform, and to remain the preferred, cost-effective choice for our customers.”
Price changes will also be implemented across all categories in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Naivasha and Mt. Kenya region.
In continued efforts to enhance its driver relations and address drivers’ expectations in terms of handling their concerns, Bolt recently launched its Driver Engagement Center located at 6th floor, Delta Chambers in the Westlands area and is accessed on an appointment basis to ensure seamless and effective management of driver issues.
Ultimately, Bolt acknowledges that the drivers on its platform are of utmost importance, and so remains committed to enhancing their earnings, increasing demand, and enhancing their experience when they provide services on the platform.
