Resistance Arises Against Bolt’s New Ride Option Featuring the Bajaj Qute

The introduction of a new ride option by Bolt, allowing travel in the Bajaj Qute, has sparked a degree of controversy and opposition. The SA E-hailing Association’s spokesperson, Vhatuka Mbelengwa, has raised pointed questions about the decision, expressing concerns about its potential repercussions as reported by News 24. Mbelengwa has particularly questioned the rationale behind offering a new, more economical mode of transportation through the Bolt platform rather than focusing on providing support and opportunities to the existing landscape of road transport services.

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Mbelengwa’s reservations extend to the potential for heightened conflict and violence that might be directed at drivers opting for the Bajaj Qute rides. This apprehension is rooted in the perceived disruption these new entrants could bring to the established operations of transportation workers in the areas where they currently ply their trade.

Mbelengwa further points out that introducing the Bajaj Qute ride option has inadvertently led to the “eradication of previous operators” on the Bolt platform. This outcome is attributed to the anticipated inclination of customers to opt for the more cost-effective Bajaj Qute rides, a shift that inadvertently sidelines other existing options.

Part of the backdrop to these concerns is the decline in travel volume witnessed over recent years, partly attributed to rising unemployment and the growing prevalence of remote work. Mbelengwa laments that instead of bolstering and cultivating the existing road transport infrastructure, the introduction of the Bajaj Qute emerges as an alternative mode of transportation.

Bolt rolled out the Bolt Lite ride option, designed exclusively for the Bajaj Qute, on July 24, 2023, initially in select areas of Johannesburg. This new option has been introduced to provide an affordable alternative for shorter trips.

The Bajaj Qute is legally categorised as a compact quadricycle, distinguishing it from conventional cars. This classification informs its operational parameters, with a maximum speed capped at 70km/h and a fuel tank that can be filled for under R200.

Norman Moremi, a recent addition to the cadre of Bajaj Qute drivers on the platform, speaks positively about the service’s initial reception. He emphasises the popularity of the short trips that the Bajaj Qute is tailored for, highlighting his own financial gains and the economic efficiency of the quadricycle’s fuel consumption.

Moremi attests to customers’ interest in the novelty of the quadricycle, suggesting that this curiosity contributes to its appeal. However, his positive outlook is tempered by an issue he has flagged – the mounting pressure faced by Bajaj Qute drivers from taxi drivers. Moremi elucidates that these taxi drivers perceive the Bajaj Qute drivers as encroaching upon their turf and have resorted to intimidating tactics, leading to a sense of unease among the Bajaj Qute operators.

Takura Malaba, Bolt’s regional manager for southern and east Africa, offers insight into the intentions behind the Bajaj Qute ride option’s introduction. Malaba asserts that the goal is to expand the array of ride options accessible to drivers, emphasising augmenting opportunities rather than disrupting the existing ones. He notes that the short trips for which the Bajaj Qute is tailored are distinct from those traditionally sought by ride-hailing passengers, underlining the differentiation in purpose.

Malaba specifies that the Bajaj Qute is intended for journeys covering less than 4km, catering to a specific demographic that is underserved by conventional ride-hailing cars. This strategy aligns with Bolt’s ongoing pursuit of methods to bolster driver earnings. To this end, the launch of new categories like Bolt Lite is a strategic step. Malaba assures drivers active in other categories on the Bolt platform will retain access to earning opportunities, mitigating concerns about displacement.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by reduced passenger demand, Malaba avows Bolt’s commitment to enhancing driver earnings. The company intends to achieve this by stimulating passenger demand through various incentives. He emphasises Bolt’s empathy toward drivers and their susceptibility to macroeconomic factors, reiterating that the company will continue assessing fares and enacting adjustments where feasible.

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