Uber Technologies Inc. has raised fares in Nigeria and Kenya in response to demand by drivers for higher share of commissions to compensate for increased cost of operations.
The ride-hailing firm raised prices on its UberX platform by 13% in Africa’s biggest city, Lagos, and 20% in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Lorraine Onduru spokesperson for Uber East and West Africa said in response to questions.
In Kenya, it added 15% on its motorcycle-ride and delivery services, while riders on low-cost ChapChap will pay additional 3 Kenyan shillings per kilometer.
“We believe that this small increase will still make it possible for riders to access affordable transport whilst providing better earnings for driver-partners,” Onduru said. The new fares are effective from Tuesday (11 May) in Nigeria, according to an email sent to drivers by Uber.
In Ghana, a group calling itself Online Drivers Union of Ghana has withdrawn its services as part of a demonstration against what it described as “modern-day slavery” by ride-hailing companies.
The group whose members work with Uber, Bolt, Yango and First Class, accused the companies of reducing trip fares despite hike in fuel prices, which affect their sales.
The group on Tuesday marched through some principal streets of Kumasi to drum home their demands.
Some of the drivers expressed their frustration about the poor condition of service, adding that they will not call off the strike until their concerns are addressed.
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