By Emmanuel Ogbodo<\/p>\n
InDrive is facing criticism from its own drivers, who are unhappy with the low fares being offered on the app. Many drivers have expressed frustration over the “ridiculous” prices that riders are proposing, especially in light of declining earnings and the challenging economic situation in the country.<\/p>\n
According to orders reviewed by Technext, one rider offered a mere 2,000 naira for a trip starting in Fatai Durosinmi-Etti Crescent in Victoria Island and ending in Egbeda. The app estimates the trip distance at 38.6 kilometres and the travel time at one hour and two minutes. Yet, the fare offered wouldn\u2019t even cover the cost of three litres of fuel.<\/p>\n
Similarly, another ride from 146 Lagos-Epe Express Road to Ogba Magistrate Court, a distance of 37.8 kilometres with an estimated travel time of one hour and three minutes, was ordered for just 2,000 naira. Additionally, a 30-kilometre trip, expected to take an hour and 19 minutes, was offered for a fare of 4,000 naira. These cases highlight the problem.<\/p>\n
This issue may be linked to a malfunction in the app, which suggests a base fare that riders can choose to accept, reduce, or increase. Despite this, drivers are increasingly dissatisfied and are voicing their concerns.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone needs to sue InDrive because it\u2019s getting worse by the day. Some days I don\u2019t even bother going out because the fares on the app are so ridiculous. I only accept offline orders because it\u2019s pointless otherwise. If I took such a low-paying trip, the fare wouldn\u2019t even cover the cost of fuel,\u201d said Ola, a driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cI once received an order from a lady offering 3,000 naira for a trip that would take one hour and 38 minutes. I asked if she realised this was an error because a trip that long can\u2019t possibly cost so little. She didn\u2019t see the problem. I told her that the only driver who would accept that fare might be planning to kidnap her. I cancelled the trip immediately,\u201d said Tunde.<\/p>\n
Jeremiah, another driver, took to X (formerly Twitter) to pen a strongly-worded open letter demanding that InDrive stop allowing riders to make such low offers on the app.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, InDrive. We want to bring to your attention the current situation in Nigeria, where the cost of goods and services is rising. Fuel prices and maintenance costs are increasing. Stop allowing riders to make a mockery of our jobs. Drivers on this platform provide a service by transporting your riders safely. There have been numerous complaints about the absurd fares you\u2019re suggesting on the app, and the option for riders to lower them even further leaves drivers with no choice. If you don\u2019t address this issue soon, drivers will switch to other platforms that respect their needs,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
InDrive, one of the top three e-hailing apps in Nigeria, initially won over drivers with its unique model that allows riders to set their own fares, while drivers can accept or counter the offer. This system was designed to give both drivers and riders bargaining power.<\/p>\n
However, the app also suggests a recommended price, which is usually fair when compared to other platforms. Riders can either accept this price or adjust it slightly. Yet, the fares shown in the screenshots are far from reasonable; they are unbelievably low. This raises questions about whether riders are truly setting these prices themselves.<\/p>\n
Drivers have dubbed InDrive\u2019s model a “fastest-finger model,” as it offers the same trip to multiple drivers, forcing them to quickly accept lower fares to secure the ride. Since the app doesn\u2019t account for waiting times, many drivers feel it favours riders over them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve said repeatedly that InDrive favours riders, and it\u2019s frustrating how they take advantage of drivers. They take our money even if we don\u2019t go on the trip, and there\u2019s no penalty for riders who waste our time. The app\u2019s IT team needs to improve their database,\u201d said Gbenga.<\/p>\n
Teddy, another driver, added: \u201cPassengers cancel rides without consequence, leaving drivers to waste fuel. We get to the pick-up point, and they keep us waiting for over 30 minutes because they know they won\u2019t be charged for it.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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