Mthokozisi Ncube
A FARE WAR is brewing among Bulawayo’s e-hailing drivers, with some allegedly setting up fake ride requests to expose colleagues accepting what they consider “peanuts” for long-distance trips.
The divisions came to the fore during a meeting of e-hailing drivers, the majority of whom use the inDrive platform, at Northend Shopping Centre on Tuesday morning, where they gathered to address what they described as low fares.
Some drivers are refusing to accept trips they believe do not cover fuel and other operating costs, while others say financial pressure leaves them with little choice but to take whatever business comes their way.
Interviews with about five drivers opposed to the disputed fares revealed growing frustration over the cost of running vehicles, with some questioning whether certain trips make business sense.
“The problem is that you can travel a long distance, but when you look at the money you are getting, it does not make business sense. You have to buy fuel, and at the end of the day, you still need to make something for yourself,” said one driver, who identified himself as Zibusiso.
Another driver questioned why some passengers expected drivers to accept low fares for journeys that required considerable time and fuel.
“Someone can come from South Africa after paying hundreds of rands for a bus ticket, then request a local ride at a price that does not make sense for the distance. We also have costs to cover. We cannot operate vehicles for free,” said the driver.
The drivers cited instances of passengers requesting trips for as little as US$1.50, arguing that such fares could leave them struggling to cover their expenses.
But while some drivers are prepared to reject the disputed fares, others say they cannot afford to be choosy.
Those operating hired vehicles face pressure to meet daily targets set by car owners, leaving them caught between accepting low-paying trips and risking failure to meet their obligations.
“If you are driving someone else’s car, you have a target you must meet at the end of the day. You cannot reject every ride because you still have to pay the owner.
“Sometimes you end up accepting a ride even when the fare is too low because you need to make up the money,” said one driver who identified himself as Tawanda.
The disagreement has reportedly spilled into hostility, with some drivers allegedly placing fake ride requests to identify colleagues willing to accept the disputed fares.
Those who accepted the requests were allegedly reported, raising fears that they could be blocked from the platform.
While some drivers reportedly view the practice as a way of pushing colleagues to reject fares they consider unsustainable, it has also raised concerns about intimidation and deepening divisions within the e-hailing community.
The meeting came amid reports of a planned strike that failed to materialise, with drivers still divided over how best to press for changes to the fares.
