A recent trend on Twitter (X) has highlighted an unusual situation involving Bolt ride services. South Africans have been ordering Bolt rides in Nigeria from their home country and then canceling the rides upon the drivers’ arrival. This exploit has arisen due to Nigeria’s weak currency, which makes cancellation fees unaffordable for many South Africans.
This situation comes on the heels of an online backlash a few days ago, which intensified the issue. As a result of the cancellations, Bolt drivers in Nigeria are facing severe financial strain due to fuel scarcity and rising prices. The situation has led to increased tensions, with many riders losing money from these cancellations.
In response to this exploitation, Nigerians have retaliated by manipulating Bolt’s surge pricing in Cape Town and Johannesburg. This deliberate action has led to inflated ride costs and a shortage of available rides for South Africans, who are now facing difficulties in securing transportation. The ripple effects of this online dispute have not only impacted Bolt users but have also exacerbated the challenges faced by drivers in Nigeria.
