The technology ride-hailing company, Bolt, says it has blocked an unspecified number of accounts used to request and cancel false rides.
The ride-hailing app has banned inter-country transport requests following an increase in such requests in Nigeria and South Africa. Early Thursday morning, Nigerians and South Africans’ online feud took on a new dimension when both sides participated in another supremacy war.
Citizens of the two countries went for each other’s jugulars, ordering e-hailing drivers from opposing countries from the comfort of their own homes.
Nigerians booked trips in South Africa to demonstrate the power of numbers, while South Africans allegedly started the show by ordering Bolt and Uber drivers in Nigeria and cancelling the ride when the drivers arrived at the pick-up locations.
In response to the problem, Bolt’s Country Manager for Nigeria, Yahaya Mohammed, said in a statement that the firm has taken steps to address the issue of false ride requests, and that a full investigation into its strengthened security procedures has begun.
What they’re saying
The statement read: “Bolt is aware of the bogus ride request incident involving some people in Nigeria and South Africa.
“We have successfully addressed the issue of fake ride requests affecting our driver-partners, particularly those operating in Nigeria and South Africa.”Our top goal is the integrity and safety of our platform, for both driver partners and riders.
“After conducting a thorough investigation and implementing stronger security measures, we rectified this issue quickly by blocking inter-country transport requests. Furthermore, the perpetrators of this illicit action have been identified and blocked from using the Bolt app. The country manager thanked its driver partners for their patience and professionalism, and pledged to provide a safe, dependable, and secure service for all members of our community.
“We recognise how this scenario has affected our driver-partners in Nigeria and South Africa. We are dedicated to providing a safe, reliable, and secure environment for all members of our community.
“We thank our driver-partners for their patience and professionalism during this time and remain dedicated to supporting them in every possible way.”
Bottom Line
The incident had a direct impact on drivers, who rely on these platforms for their livelihood. Being sent on bogus rides not only wastes their time but also results in lost income and potential frustration.
Bolt’s quick response and communication of the steps taken to address the issue show that the company is prioritizing the well-being of its driver partners, which is crucial for maintaining their trust and loyalty.
