In Botswana, Drivers Ask Indrive To Raise Fares After Introducing 10 Commission

inDrive operators in Botswana say theyre experiencing lower revenues because of the rising fuel costs and competition for rides after the launch of Bolt in March. More than ten drivers who spoke to TechCabal said the base fares are low and should be increased, continuing a trend across Africa where drivers believe the gig driving model unfairly favors customers.

Gig drvers in Botswana are also adjusting to inDrives introduction of a 10 commission this year.When inDrive launched in Botswana in 2019, it was a popular choice because of its zero commission. While that was always unlikely to last forever, drivers believe that with a commission now in place, the company must raise fares for passengers.

On its part, inDrive argues that charging commissions on driver earnings ensures they can make further investments in Botswana. The company says it has not received any formal complaints from drivers about the commission.

We have made it clear to drivers that monetization is essential for business sustainability, inDrive told TechCabal.

Beyond the commission, the companys unique selling proposition which allows allows drivers and riders to negotiate prices, is also a pain point for drivers. Drivers claim that if the fee offered by a rider is already low, its difficult to negotiate any further.