Uber, Bolt drivers bemoan revenue loss as ride requests dry up over Ramadan, Lent

e-Hailing drivers operating on the Uber and Bolt platforms have decried a significant decline in business during the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten season.

According to drivers who spoke with Technext, a drastic reduction in ride requests has led to a significant revenue loss, which they described as disheartening given the current economic reality.

They noted that while requests generally reduce during the Ramadan and Lenten seasons, this season was particularly bad, with drivers reporting as few as one to five trips per day:

“Since the start of Ramadan and Lent, trips have dropped drastically,” one driver said. “Even some days, I don’t get a single trip. Where I park is usually where I’ll close for the day, and sometimes I come into town with just one ride, and it’s always difficult to get another trip back home.”

“My daily earnings have fallen a lot, and it’s frustrating because we are working long hours but making much less than usual,” he added.

When asked which apps are most affected by the Ramadan and Lenten glut, there was a consensus that requests are more difficult to come by on the Bolt and Uber apps. This is because their fares are considered too high, compared to inDrive, which offers the cheapest fares.

Thus, for drivers who are comfortable with the fares, inDrive still receives significant requests.

Ramadan and Lent may not be the only reasons

While Ramadan and Lenten seasons sometimes clash, this year was the first time in a long time that both began on the same day: February 18.

Both seasons require adherents to abstain from food, water and other forms of nourishment.

The seasons are also characterised by a decline in physical activities as people struggle to avoid exercises that would deplete energy. There is also the sentimental side of praying and enjoying fast-breaks (Iftar) with family members.

Thus, the need to stay home, close to friends and family.

Muslim drivers praying during Iftar dinner hosted by e-hailing company, Bolt

The drivers believe this reduction in physical activities and movement also translates to a reduction in ride requests.

“We think this slowdown is happening because people’s routines have changed—fasting, prayers, and family meals keep them home, and unnecessary travel is avoided,” a driver said.

See also: Are algorithms by Uber, Bolt and inDrive killing human interactions in e-hailing?

Concomitantly, there are economic challenges owing to the sudden fuel price hike.

Earlier this week, fuel prices jumped from 875 naira per litre to 975 naira, with several filling stations selling above 1,000 naira per litre.

According to a senior Dangote Refinery official, the fuel price hike was necessitated by recent volatility in global crude oil markets owing to the war against Iran by the US and Israel. With fuel price increases, other expenses generally rise, compelling people to avoid unnecessary spending.

“On top of that, fuel prices have shot up again, which makes it even harder to make ends meet,” another driver said.

Despite the decline, some drivers remain hopeful that the Sallah and Easter celebrations will bring a boost in requests and earnings.

“We pray that by the time Lent ends, and with the upcoming Sallah and Easter celebrations, more people will start moving again. Trips may pick up with families visiting, shopping, and celebrating, giving a temporary boost to earnings, though it might not fully make up for the current slowdown,” they said.

There are still others who do not share the optimism, as they insist that the intent of the app companies like Uber and Bolt is to make money at the detriment of drivers

“I am not optimistic, as this app company has built a pattern of impoverishing the drivers for its own benefit. They live extravagant lives, taking huge commissions of 27% to 28% to the detriment of drivers’ welfare, and they have no intention of stopping as they are all filled with greed,” one driver said.

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