AUATON Condemns Low Fares Imposed on Drivers by Ride  Companies

“We therefore call on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to participate in the upcoming protest and join the massive boycott against Indrive, Rida, and Uber,” he urged, said Steven Iwindoye, the Lagos State Public Relations Officer of AUTON.

Nigeriacurrent
Nigeriacurrent

By Esi-ife Arogundade

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over what it describes as unfair and insensitive low fares imposed by ride-hailing companies such as Indrive, Rida, and Uber.

In a statement released on Tuesday, February 4 2025, the Lagos State Public Relations Officer of AUATON, Mr. Steven Iwindoye, urged these service providers to adjust their fare structures to better align with current economic challenges facing drivers.

Iwindoye highlighted the negative impact of drastically reduced fares, stating, “They are drastically undervaluing our services. For instance, when a trip that should rightfully cost ₦5,000 is reduced to ₦2,000 at the rider’s discretion, it is an insult to our profession and must not be tolerated.”

He emphasized the need for a minimum fare benchmark, which would allow for negotiations without falling into exploitative pricing. “The continuous price slashes and unfair treatment of drivers by ride-hailing companies have pushed drivers to a breaking point,” he added.

 The AUATON representative pointed out that the operational costs of ride-hailing—such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and rising living expenses—are shouldered by the drivers themselves. “The companies have no right to reduce fares to unreasonable levels without consulting the drivers,” he stated.

With the cost of living on the rise, including fuel, spare parts, and essential goods, Iwindoye argued it is only logical for drivers to anticipate an increase in fare rates. He proposed that a collective action is necessary, calling for driver unity in voicing their grievances.

“We therefore call on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to participate in the upcoming protest and join the massive boycott against Indrive, Rida, and Uber,” he urged.

 As tensions between drivers and ride-hailing companies escalate, the union’s call to action signals a significant pushback against practices perceived as exploitative within the industry.

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