Two days ago, I ordered a taxi online on Bolt platform to Lekki. The app estimated the cost to be between N4000 and N4900. I was comfortable with the estimate because a local taxi man wanted to take me there for 7k. The bolt driver arrived and we started our journey. I noticed he was hiding his phone. I asked why his phone was not on the dashboard or somewhere i can see it, but he said he doesn't like putting his phone on the dashboard. Well, wetin concern me. As we were close to the toll gate, he took another route saying he had no card to pay since they don't accept cash. The new route was a bit longer. We managed to reach my destination. Lol and behold, he showed me that my fare was N8400. I almost screamed. We engaged in a little argument but I still ended up paying. Was I penny wise pound foolish? Why did he hide the phone?, why did google map estimated 46km but we covered 88? Those thoughts filled my mind as walked away. As an ICT consultant, I know that almost anything is possible with Technology: app manipulation. Immediately, I did a little research online and knew that some drivers use some 3rd party apps to interfere with fare calculation; in some cases, to double the amount. I quickly reached out to Bolt. Few minutes later, they responded that there were some GPS errors that led to me being overcharged. After our discussions back and forth, the driver was compelled to refund #4400 to me for overcharging me.

I demanded to know what happened but Bolt customer care refused to reveal it and assured me that necessary measures had been taken against the driver. This and the fact that the driver pleaded that I should tell Bolt that the money had been refunded gave me some idea that he was possibly being punished for fraud.

Lesson

I was really impressed with the swift respond by Bolt and the action they took thereafter. They even called me to confirm the refund. This was unlike what happened when I had some fraud-related issues with an Uber driver. I tried to have it resolved but till date, Uber refused to handle the matter. Worse still, you can't call Uber; they won't call you. Because of this, Bolt remains my number 1. At least, I am sure of fairness in case of any issue.

If you suspect your driver during your trip of manipulation, kindly ask to see his phone. Check for apps like Lockito, fake GPS or others. They are so smart that at the end of your trip your fares from both trips (real and fake app) are tallied up as one fare which the unsuspecting rider pays.

See if the GPS or internet is off

Always report issues of fraud. I am sure Bolt will respond quickly.

See images below:

Will it cost us our kidney to try and be honest in this country?

wow

GPS error? does that mean it was a technical glitch?

since they are sanctioning the driver that means it's not just GPS error it's fraud!

hate these frauds that spoil things for everyone, i dont really have time to be checking what drivers are doing with their phones, and i sure cant be bothered to get into arguement with them to the extent im asking to see their phone/apps

Good on you for quickly 'reaching out' to bolt!

why cover his name? shame on him!