POLOKWANE – Rising fuel prices are taking a toll on e-hailing drivers, with some opting to temporarily suspend their services as operating costs continue to climb.

Drivers feel the pressure

While taxi associations and bus companies have recently implemented fare increases, e-hailing drivers say they have little control over the prices charged to customers, leaving them with shrinking profit margins.

Provincial e-hailing spokesperson Aubrey Phasha said drivers have been under strain following months of fuel price increases. “The situation is becoming unbearable for many drivers as fuel keeps increasing while the fares offered through the application remain largely unchanged,” he said.

Calls for fare reviews

According to Phasha, the governing body, the National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa, has approached Bolt on several occasions to review and increase fares in line with rising operating costs.

He said Bolt indicated that it had adjusted its base fare, but drivers believe the increase has not gone far enough to address the financial pressures they face daily.

“Some drivers feel the company does not fully understand the realities on the ground. In certain areas, drivers have resolved not to accept prices determined by the application because they believe they are no longer sustainable,” he added.

Rising costs hit transport sector

The concerns come after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced the latest fuel price adjustments.

Economist Sinethemba Cumpele-Mojela said the transport sector and independent operators are among those hardest hit by fuel price increases.

“Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for transport operators. When prices rise consistently, businesses and independent operators struggle to maintain profitability.

“E-hailing drivers are particularly affected because their income depends directly on the trips they complete,” he said.

Tough choices for drivers

He added that higher fuel costs often leave drivers with difficult choices, including working longer hours to maintain their earnings.

Attempts by BONUS to obtain comment from Bolt were unsuccessful before going to print.