Bolt the online taxi hailing firm has step into the ‘prank rides’ showdown between Nigeria and South African users.
There has been an online crossfire between Nigerians and South Africans, where users in Nigeria would book a ride in South African and cancel it the ride, and those in South Africa did likewise thus confusing and annoying drivers.
Bolt has now restricted “inter-country” requests between Nigeria and South Africa to rein in users in both countries who are trying to prank drivers.
The drivers were pawns in this malicious game as they were sent on a wild goose chase to find passengers who weren’t even in the same country.
Bolt said it had identified and blocked users participating in this cruel game.
“We understand the impact this situation has had on our driver-partners in Nigeria and South Africa,” Bolt said in a statement.
The taxi firm added that inter-country requests would still work between other countries.
A disgruntled Nigerian driver based in Kano told the BBC he received an order for an airport trip from an international number but the person didn’t show up.
“I tried calling and calling but they didn’t answer. Then they cancelled the trip,” he said.
He said he wasn’t the only victim. Many of his colleagues faced similar issues.
Some social media users rallied behind the drivers, saying they were just trying to make a living.
“Uber and Bolt drivers are just trying to make ends meet. They aren’t on twitter trolling anyone. They are literally trying to earn an honest living. Please leave them alone. And i’m talking to both sides,” one X user wrote.
A second person said: “The bolt challenge is paining me because it’s innocent and hardworking people on both sides that are suffering for the wickedness and thoughtlessness of other people. Really unfair.” With BBC reports
