Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Residents of Port Harcourt have voiced growing frustration over what they describe as unfair and inconsistent fare charges by drivers operating on the Bolt e-hailing platform. Commuters allege that many drivers now demand payments far above the prices displayed on the app, creating widespread tension and distrust between riders and drivers.
Several passengers have reported that drivers either insist on additional payments after completing trips or attempt to negotiate fares outside the app, undermining Bolt’s pricing system. Some drivers reportedly attribute the fare hikes to rising fuel prices, Bolt’s commission deductions, and increased vehicle maintenance costs, which they say make app-based fares unsustainable.
One alarming case involved a female passenger, Miss Kosisochukwu Okoye, who alleged that she was assaulted by a Bolt driver after refusing to pay more than the displayed fare. According to her report, the trip was valued at ₦3,100, but the driver demanded ₦4,500 and allegedly locked her inside the vehicle during the altercation. The incident sparked public outrage, leading to the suspension of the driver by Bolt’s management.
With transportation costs already burdening residents amid the current economic hardship, Port Harcourt commuters are calling on the Consumer Protection Council and relevant transportation authorities to intervene. They urge the government to enforce fair pricing regulations and protect commuters from exploitative practices across e-hailing platforms.
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