'Hopeless' drivers slam Uber, Bolt after meetings

Gauteng's e-hailing partner drivers have slammed their working relationship with Uber and Bolt as "hopeless", saying last week's mediation meetings facilitated by the provincial government failed to address their concerns.

This is according to a memo prepared by driver representatives following the meetings, which Fin24 has seen. The e-hailing drivers say they feel stonewalled after the platforms declined all of their demands aimed at boosting drivers' income.

The Gauteng provincial government arranged the meetings between the drivers in Gauteng and Uber and Bolt. The meetings were supposed to address driver concerns, particularly the pricing models of platforms that drivers say do not give them enough income.

The Gauteng E-Hailing Partners Council (GEPCO) met with Bolt on Thursday, and with Uber on Friday. The drivers want Uber to lower its commission of 25%, charge on all rides. Failing that, drivers will settle for price hikes to boost income.

GEPCO also demanded that Uber disband its dynamic pricing system and reinstate the initial setup, which comprised a base fare and minimum fare within a 3km radius, and per-kilometre and per-minute charges beyond the 3km radius.

Uber said it would not change its dynamic pricing system, and GEPCO claims the company refused to reveal its pricing figures.

Bolt SA manager Takura Malaba said the company does not have dynamic pricing on its platform, but rather surge pricing, where prices can only increase.

"This occurs where passenger demand is high and there are not enough drivers to meet this demand. Surge pricing is meant to attract more drivers, therefore balancing the high demand. More people will choose to ride with Bolt if the fares are affordable, which means that drivers have more opportunities to earn money," Malaba said.-Fin24