Bolt announces 10pc fare increase amid increased driver operating costs

By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian
Published at 01:07 PM Nov 07 2024
Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager of Rides at Bolt Tanzania.
File Photo
Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager of Rides at Bolt Tanzania.

BOLT, the leading on-demand mobility platform, has announced a fare increase of 10 percent addressing concerns raised by its driver-partners regarding their earnings. These fare adjustments reflect Bolt’s ongoing commitment to ensuring drivers are fairly compensated while maintaining the high standard of service expected by riders.

The fare changes apply across the Boda, Bajaj, and Car ride categories. For car rides, the per-kilometer rate has increased from 850/- to  950/-. 

Boda rides have seen per-kilometer fare moving from 320/- to 350/-, while Bajaj fares have increased from 530/- to /550-.

Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager of Rides at Bolt Tanzania, said, “At Bolt, our drivers are just as much a priority as our passengers. In response to concerns from our driver partners about rising operational costs, we've taken their feedback seriously and adjusted fares to ensure they can earn more from each trip. We believe this increase will help our drivers achieve better returns while maintaining the high-quality service our riders rely on.”

Bolt has always prioritised the well-being of its driver-partners. As part of this commitment, the company has introduced several initiatives over the past year. These include driver rewards initiatives, driver compliments features on its app, and driver engagement forums to enhance driver relations. The latest fare adjustment is a continuation of these efforts, aimed at creating a more balanced and mutually beneficial ecosystem for both drivers and riders.

As a business, Bolt consistently works towards enabling its driver partner’s entrepreneurial journey through its platform. The company remains focused on the overall driver and passenger experience and will continue to provide its driver partners with both online and in-person support to facilitate their success.

The fare increase comes at a time when the cost of living in Tanzania has been on the rise, impacting both drivers and riders alike. Bolt remains committed to balancing the needs of its driver-partners while ensuring affordability and accessibility for its riders. The company will continue to monitor the economic landscape and engage with all stakeholders to make any necessary adjustments in the future.

Bolt remains committed to balancing the needs of its driver-partners and riders, ensuring the ride-hailing ecosystem remains sustainable and beneficial for both.