A Bolt driver who decided to work during the strike earned over R4,000 in one day. Photo: @boltapp / Twitter
Bolt driver makes over R4,000 in one day as e-hailing strike continues
As the strike of e-hailing drivers continues, one Bolt driver cashed in and made a daily earning of R4,065 to the surprise of many.
A Bolt driver who decided to work during the strike earned over R4,000 in one day. Photo: @boltapp / Twitter
A Bolt driver managed to bag more than R4,000 in one day. The ongoing strike by e-hailing drivers on apps such as Bolt, Didi and Uber has negatively impacted many South Africans who are seemingly stranded.
Some drivers cashed in and continued to work
While a lot of drivers are striking, there is a number who decided to cash in and continue to accept rides. A picture of a driver’s earnings for one day started circulating on social media. The unknown individual pocketed a whopping R4,065.
According to social media posts, prices on the applications were more than four times the normal costs. On the evening of Tuesday, 22 March, MEC for Transport in Gauteng Jacob Mamabolo met with a delegation that represented the striking drivers.
ALSO READ: E-hailing strike: Police disarmed, shot fired in the Union Buildings
The strike by e-hailing drivers on the popular Uber, Bolt and Didi platforms will enter its second day today. Although most drivers downed tools, some took a chance and cashed in, with one driver making over R4,000 in one day on the Bolt platform.
This followed thousands of drivers striking in Gauteng as they called for operators to increase ride prices and reduce their commission.
Striking operators were infuriated by the earnings of those who were working
According to IOL, the insane amount earned by drivers who were working infuriated those who were striking. Through a WhatsApp message, an unidentified driver was frustrated at the fact that the screenshot of the R4,000 earnings was going viral.
“We are on reserve tanks and people are making R4 000 plus, and have the audacity to send screenshots”.
The protesting drivers became despondent about the money they earn as petrol prices skyrocketed over the past few months. Drivers have been guarding OR Tambo International Airport as they attempted to prevent other drivers from working.
Thankfully, for the working drivers, the protestors were unable to stop work at the airport and other areas.
Bolt reportedly increased their prices by around R1 per kilometre, they also increased their minimum base fares and introduced a fee for cancellations. This happened on Friday.
The drivers who continued with work were allegedly intimidated and threatened by those who were protesting. Some incidents include requesting mock rides before they confronted the working drivers.
READ ALSO: E-hailing drivers blocked, prices skyrocket amid strike
