Ride-hailing apps have become essential to urban Nigerians. Whether going home from work or visiting restaurants, spas, and staycation spots, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt have made commuting easier. Gone are the days of jumping commercial buses and the woes they bring or using the ‘old green taxis’. Now, that’s history with these apps’ wide range of car options and convenience.
However, due to differences in price and other benefits, the debate about which is better, Uber or Bolt, has become a hot topic.
I have used these two ride-sharing apps and spoken with drivers and other users; here’s what I found, comparing ease of use, pricing, driver availability, safety, customer care, and the range of ride options.
Ease of Use
When you’re in a hurry, the last thing you want is an app that makes you feel like you’re calculating algebra. From my experience and that of other users, Uber and Bolt have worked hard to keep their interfaces simple. Navigating through the app to request a ride is nearly as easy as ordering a suya from that mallam down your street.
Uber’s app is renowned for its simple design and clear options, making it easy to pick your destination and track your ride in real time.
On the other hand, Bolt offers a similarly user-friendly experience, though some users find that it occasionally lags. Also, ride monitoring isn’t always accurate; your ride could signal that it has arrived when it hasn’t.
The Winner: While they both offer ease of use, it also matters that what appears on your phone screen is reliable. For that, Uber wins this round.
Pricing
Uber and Bolt each have their unique fare structure.
Uber is often seen as more consistent in its pricing model, which many commuters appreciate when budgeting their daily expenses. Consistency in pricing means fewer surprises when you check your debit after the ride. Uber Go also delivers cheap pricing that is almost unbeatable by other ride-hailing companies.
Bolt, however, often runs promos and discounts. But, on average, Bolt tends to be more expensive. It is also important to note that Bolt’s final pricing can sometimes differ significantly from what was initially shown when you ordered the ride.
The Winner: This category goes to Uber because it offers the cheapest prices, especially with Uber Go, and the pricing is usually consistent after the rides.
Availability of Drivers
We’ve all been there; you are under the hot sun, waiting for a ride as you constantly check your watch. The availability of drivers can make or break your experience.
Bolt’s extensive network in Nigeria is one of its strongest selling points. Many users have noted that finding an available driver is often quicker with Bolt, thanks to its large pool of drivers.
Uber sometimes struggles to match the sheer number of drivers that Bolt offers in busy urban places. This doesn’t mean you’ll be stranded with Uber, but you might find the wait a bit longer during peak hours or in areas that aren’t very populated. That said, Uber’s focus on efficiency means that when a driver is nearby, the service tends to be prompt.
The Winner: In practical terms, the choice might depend on your location. Both platforms will likely have you covered if you’re in a major city centre like Lagos Island. Overall, Bolt is the easy winner when considering the availability of drivers.
Safety
Safety is important, and both Uber and Bolt have invested heavily in ensuring that passengers feel secure during every trip.
