Uber Increases Trip Fares By 13% In Lagos
Uber Increases Trip Fares by 13% in Lagos
Uber, the ride-hailing company, has increased the price of its economy ride, UberX, in Lagos by approximately 13% effective May 11, 2021.
Uber disclosed this in an email to driver-partners, stating: "At Uber, we remain committed to providing a reliable earning opportunity for driver-partners, as well as a reliable and affordable service for riders." With this in mind, beginning May 11, 2021, we will increase UberX prices by approximately 13%”.
The fare increase occurs approximately two weeks after Uber hosted a virtual round table discussion with its drivers on April 29. The meeting took place just days after e-hailing drivers in Lagos staged a week-long strike in protest of low fares in the face of rising operating costs.
Uber riders will now pay a base fare of N237 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Mondays and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays; a minimum fare of N538; N70 per kilometer; and N12 per minute. This is an increase from the previous minimum fare of N500, base fare of N200, per-kilometer fare of N50, and per-minute fare of N11.
At other times, riders will be charged a minimum fare of N575, a base fare of N255, a kilometer surcharge of N75, and a minute surcharge of N12.5.
The increased rates mean that riders will pay more for Uber rides as a result of driver complaints.
Uber's new pricing structure is effective both during peak and off-peak hours. Additionally, drivers earn a higher commission on trip fares at later hours of the day, from 12 p.m. to midnight.
Drivers Remain Unsatisfied
Despite Uber's recent decision to increase trip fares, drivers are not entirely satisfied. Comrade Ayoade Ibrahim, President of the National Union of Professional App-based Workers (NUPA-BW), tells Technext that Uber reviewed prices independently of drivers.
“What we require of them is that they acknowledge the drivers' union within their organization. They continue to make the same errors by failing to recognize our right to collective bargaining.”
According to Ayoade, Uber's 25% commission should also be reduced to increase drivers' earnings. He continues by stating that both the operator and the government must address security concerns raised by some drivers as a result of violent riders.
“It is critical to register riders' [customers'] profiles with BVN or NIN,” Ayoade said.
However, the NUPA-BW President acknowledges that Uber's fare increase is a step in the right direction in terms of driver demands.
Ayoade maintains that Bolt has not reached out to drivers, but has instead launched a promotion to entice additional drivers to join the platform.
Courses and Certification
Google Maps Course and Certificate
