Orange Farm riders clash with Bolt drivers over extra charges, company vows to investigate

A wave of dissatisfaction is sweeping through Orange Farm as residents voice their frustrations over alleged overcharging by Bolt drivers. A recent Facebook post by Orange Farm News sparked a heated discussion, revealing a growing divide between riders and drivers.

By Ottis Manyoba

Aaliyah Rsa, a frequent user of ride-hailing services, expressed her dissatisfaction with drivers charging more than the app’s fare, especially when using vouchers. “They charge an amount extra than the amount charged on the app. I still have more vouchers, and I will still use them,” she stated, highlighting an incident where a driver complained about being compensated with a voucher.

Other residents echoed similar sentiments. Bonhle Mangcipu noted: “It’s not my fault Bolt charges what they charge on the app… Now I request only when I have to, like when my parents need to go to a doctor.” Bonhle also mentioned a common tactic where drivers falsely claim to have arrived, triggering a waiting fee while the rider is still waiting for the driver.

Some community members feel that the situation has escalated to the point where Bolt should cease operations in the area. “Bolt should be closed in Orange Farm ngoba they’re expensive for nothing,” said Madumane Rsa. Another user, Mcees Mbongeni Cyril Siyila, urged the community to report drivers for overcharging, as these practices often lead to confrontations, sometimes even resulting in physical altercations.

In response to the complaints, some Bolt drivers defended their pricing, pointing to the increasing cost of fuel and the expenses associated with maintaining their vehicles. A representative of the Orange Farm E-hailing Drivers group explained, “Fuel is expensive… Owning a car costs maintenance, insurance, and tracking systems because crime is too much.” The group has set a minimum fare of R50 during the day and R100 at night, regardless of the app’s fare calculation. They also do not accept app discounts, insisting that card-paying customers must top up with cash.

“We expect all riders to understand that we are tired of being exploited by Bolt, Uber, and InDrive,” the representative added, stressing that drivers are also struggling to make ends meet and that the current Bolt fare structure does not adequately compensate them.

Not all riders are opposed to the additional charges. Nomonde Makgata, who has spoken with several drivers, empathizes with their plight. “I’ve met a few Bolt drivers, and they always express their frustration with some of the low prices and how it affects them, especially petrol-wise.” Despite acknowledging the financial strain on drivers, she admits that the R50 minimum charge for local trips can be steep at times.

However, others believe that while the extra charges are inconvenient, they are a necessary compromise to ensure service availability in the area. “I once requested Bolt from Ext7 to Drieziek, and they told me it’s gonna be R100 because it’s late… I paid shem,” said RT Mokgalaka, reflecting a sentiment of reluctant acceptance shared by some users.

In light of these concerns, Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt, issued a statement to Orange Farm News addressing the situation. He said: “We are aware of reports that drivers are allegedly charging riders higher fares in the Orange Farm area. We want to assure our riders that such behavior is strictly against Bolt’s policies.”

Kalajdzic urged riders to report any instances of fare extortion through the Bolt app or customer support channels, promising thorough investigations and appropriate action against violators.

Kalajdzic emphasized Bolt’s commitment to maintaining fair and transparent pricing while ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for all riders. “We continuously work to improve our systems and processes to prevent exploitation and uphold the trust our riders place in us,” he added.

The ongoing debate between Bolt drivers and riders in Orange Farm highlights the complex challenges of balancing fair pricing with sustainable income for drivers. As the community grapples with these issues, it remains to be seen how Bolt will address the growing concerns while maintaining its presence in the area.