Bolt, inDrive Seeks Dialogue As Drivers Plan Indefinite Withdrawal.

 

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, has called on drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive platforms to withdraw their services from today over concerns about fares, commissions, welfare and rising operating costs.

The union said the planned industrial action would continue indefinitely until its demands were addressed, accusing the ride-hailing platforms of failing to adequately consider the economic realities confronting drivers.

However, Bolt has called for constructive dialogue with the union, expressing its commitment to addressing drivers’ concerns and proposing a roundtable discussion with AUATON and driver representatives early next week.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, AUATON said drivers had repeatedly raised concerns about fare structures, platform commissions, welfare provisions and inadequate protection against arbitrary deactivation, but had yet to secure meaningful changes.

According to the union, drivers bear the costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, tyres, insurance, mobile data, vehicle financing and depreciation, leaving many struggling to earn sustainable incomes.

AUATON argued that the combination of these expenses and platform charges had placed significant financial pressure on drivers, prompting its decision to call for the withdrawal of services.

Responding to the concerns in a statement issued on Wednesday, Bolt said it recognised the economic pressures facing drivers and the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment in which they could earn and operate successfully.

The company said it had taken note of AUATON’s concerns regarding driver earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency and welfare.

Bolt added that it continued to review ways to improve the driver experience and strengthen existing support mechanisms.

The proposed roundtable discussion is expected to provide an opportunity for the company, the union and driver representatives to discuss the issues and explore possible solutions.

The outcome of the proposed talks and the union’s planned industrial action could affect the availability of ride-hailing services across Lagos if the dispute remains unresolved.