Bolt’s introduction of a new budget-friendly ride option, Wait and Save, has drawn strong criticism from e-hailing drivers in Benin City, Edo State, who say the service undermines driver earnings and puts them under undue financial and physical strain.
The Wait and Save category, launched in Edo State and other selected markets, offers riders lower fares in exchange for longer wait times. Bolt described the feature as a way to connect price-sensitive riders with drivers completing back-to-back trips (B2B), aiming to reduce idle time while maintaining earnings per hour.
“Wait & Save is a budget-friendly ride option for riders willing to wait longer. It connects riders with drivers completing another nearby trip, ensuring high earnings for drivers while reducing prices,”
Despite this, drivers argue that the low fares make the model economically unsustainable. According to Comrade Russell Eghaghe, Edo State Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), drivers may work all day, spend heavily on fuel, and earn as little as ₦14,000 on Wait and Save trips—after Bolt’s commission and operational costs are deducted.
The introduction of the option comes amid other cost pressures, including a recent 21% commission increase and a 2.9% hike in booking fees in Benin City. “Drivers are already operating under high fuel costs and VAT pressures. Adding a low-fare ride category only increases financial strain,” Eghaghe said.
Another point of contention is the lack of consultation with drivers before launching the feature. “Critical decisions affecting driver welfare and earnings are made without engaging drivers or their recognised union,” Eghaghe lamented. He emphasized that drivers face long working hours, stress-related illnesses, and unsafe conditions, and warned that the new category exacerbates these challenges.
Bolt responded that accepting Wait and Save rides is optional and that the B2B system helps maintain earnings per hour. However, drivers noted that some riders still cause delays, arriving late or being unready despite the “wait” designation, which undermines the intended efficiency.
Eghaghe advised drivers to avoid the option, calling for immediate engagement between Bolt and AUATON to review policies affecting driver welfare. “If drivers are truly partners, they must be included in fare-structure decisions and policy formulation. Respect must go beyond words to fair compensation and safe working conditions,” he said.
The backlash highlights ongoing tension between e-hailing platforms seeking to attract price-sensitive riders and drivers who shoulder the operational and financial burdens of the service.
