Diary Of Uber and Bolt Driver

As an Uber driver, I’ve met all kinds of people from different walks of life, each trip coming with its own story. But one recent experience made me pause and reflect on how some people treat those who work for them and the often-thankless effort it takes just to make a simple delivery. This is a glimpse into one encounter that sheds light on the mistreatment of domestic workers and the reality of dealing with difficult clients. The Request It was a typical afternoon, and I was in Ilupeju when a ride request came in from Anthony with a destination in Magodo. The fare was good, so I accepted without a second thought. When I arrived, the client informed me it was actually a cake delivery, not a passenger trip. I hesitated since I’m usually cautious about deliveries. However, I’d already burned fuel, and the fare was promising, so I decided to go through with it. The seller placed the cake in my car, and I asked who would be paying for the ride. She assured me that the person who made the...

In recent times, the cost of fuel has skyrocketed, impacting everyone on the road, especially those of us who rely on driving for our income. For Uber drivers, this means that every trip comes with higher expenses, from the fuel in our tanks to the maintenance our vehicles need. Unfortunately, while our costs have gone up, Uber fares haven't quite kept up with the reality of these changes. 1. The Impact of Rising Fuel Prices on Uber Drivers For most drivers, fuel is one of the biggest expenses. When fuel prices were lower, fares felt manageable, but now, with the price per liter rising, it's tough to justify certain trips. A trip from Berger to Ikoyi, which used to be a decent fare, can now feel like a break-even—or even a loss—due to fuel costs alone. In places like Lagos, where fuel prices have surged beyond what we could’ve predicted, this creates a significant gap between income and expenses. 2. When Fare Adjustments Don’t Keep Pace One of the biggest frustrations is seeing...

E-hailing services have revolutionized transportation, providing convenience for riders and work opportunities for drivers. But as platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Indrive continue to grow, drivers are beginning to raise concerns about commission rates and fare controls. Starting on October 25, 2024, e-hailing drivers have decided to go on strike, calling for specific changes that would create fairer conditions for those working in the industry. In this post, we’ll explore the issues leading up to the strike, what drivers are demanding, and what this might mean for the future of the e-hailing industry. Why Drivers Are Going on Strike? High Commission Rates One of the main issues drivers are highlighting is the commission rates charged by e-hailing companies. Currently, Uber and Bolt charge commission rates that drivers feel are unsustainable, and they're calling for these rates to be reduced to 10%. High commissions eat into drivers' earnings, leaving them with less to cover the ...

Eleven years ago, I had a life-changing experience that I still vividly remember. It all started when my car accidentally collided with another vehicle, causing damage. What seemed like a minor accident turned into a nightmare when I found myself taken to the Iyaganku police cell in Ibadan. Upon arriving at the cell, I was shocked by the conditions. The place was overcrowded, filled with hardened criminals. The atmosphere was oppressive, and the cell itself was in a state of neglect. Feces were splattered across the floor, creating an unbearable stench. We were forced to sleep on this filthy ground, with no regard for basic hygiene or comfort. The physical and mental toll of that experience was overwhelming. I remember feeling a mix of fear and helplessness. As days went by, I began to notice my health deteriorating. I contacted an unknown disease that left me feeling weak and vulnerable. It took several months of treatment to recover fully, a constant reminder of my time in that dread...