In December 2023, bonuses were introduced for driver-partners by ride-hailing platforms following the elimination of fuel subsidies. These bonuses aim to motivate drivers who have expressed dissatisfaction with gig driving due to perceived inefficacy. To be eligible for bonuses ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦63,000, drivers must complete 30-50 trips per week.
While one gig driver estimates a daily earning of around ₦30,000, the recent surge in fuel prices and accelerated inflation have significantly reduced their net income. The weekly bonuses have now become crucial for many drivers, leading some to resort to shortcuts to meet the required targets.
Some drivers have been observed asking nearby drivers or friends to book short trips costing ₦800-₦1,500 to help them reach their daily targets quickly. Despite losing a fraction of the fee as commission, this seems a reasonable trade-off compared to missing out on the bonus.
The time constraints in Lagos, known for its traffic congestion, have forced drivers to become more resourceful.
Drivers can receive up to 15 trip requests per day. Some drivers swiftly meet their targets and utilize the remaining time for offline trips, personal errands, car maintenance, or other part-time jobs.
The bonuses are not solely based on quantity but also require drivers to maintain a minimum quality score of 70 to qualify, even if they meet the weekly trip quotas. Rejecting trip requests can adversely affect the drivers’ quality scores.
One tactic employed by drivers is accepting simulated short trips.
According to another gig driver, a driver can accept a fake short trip, drive a fraction of the distance, and then end the trip. As the dummy trip is compensated, the app registers it as legitimate progress towards the daily target.
Ride-hailing companies are well aware of these tactics as they have extensive experience with incentive systems. They continuously monitor for fraudulent activities and implement measures to preempt such actions.
For instance, a gig driver shared an experience where their account was blocked by a ride-hailing platform after receiving the fuel bonus, demanding a significant amount for account restoration. The platform identified discrepancies in the driver’s actions after the payment had been made.
Platforms regularly raise the bar for drivers to qualify for bonuses. In the latest Bolt challenge for October, drivers must complete 12 trips to be eligible.
These covert methods to boost earnings underscore the immense challenges faced by gig drivers. Over time, drivers have advocated for higher base fares and reduced commissions. Offline trips that bypass ride-hailing platforms have become more prevalent, with drivers sometimes requesting additional payments from riders or canceling trips.
While drivers continue to advocate for increased base fares, they are currently leveraging lucrative bonuses as a viable alternative.