The Struggle for Fair Pay in Dar es Salaam’s Motorcycle Taxi Industry
In Dar es Salaam, the motorcycle taxi industry has become a battleground of conflicting interests. For many riders, what was once seen as a promotional offer now sparks tension and frustration. The discrepancy between what passengers see on their phones and what riders receive at the end of a trip has led to growing dissatisfaction among those who rely on these platforms for their livelihood.
On Monday, February 2, 2026, a group of Bolt motorcycle riders took to the streets, marching to the company’s headquarters in Kinondoni to protest what they described as high deductions and frequent passenger discounts that are eroding their earnings. This event highlighted the deepening divide between drivers and the platform they work for, raising questions about whether the system truly serves the interests of those on the ground.
A System Under Scrutiny
At the heart of the issue is a pricing and payment system that many riders claim they do not fully understand or trust. Some argue that discounts make trips feel unprofitable, especially at a time when fuel prices, maintenance costs, and the cost of living continue to rise. However, opinions among riders remain divided.
Mr. Abdulkarimu Salumu defended the platform, suggesting that the controversy around discounts is more about awareness than actual loss. “When a passenger gets an offer, the driver is paid in full by Bolt after completing the trip,” he said. “The problem is that many drivers don’t like paying their debts. If you owe Bolt, the money will be deducted automatically. If you don’t owe anything, you withdraw everything.”
On the other hand, Mr. Shukuru Daniel was more direct, blaming what he called a sense of entitlement among some drivers. “Some drivers want all the benefits but none of the responsibilities,” he said. “Bolt has invested heavily in building a system that connects drivers and customers instantly. You can’t use that innovation and then refuse to follow the rules.”
Beyond Discounts: A Deeper Discontent
For some riders, the pain goes beyond the discounts themselves. Mr. Salumu Ramadhani expressed frustration with feeling trapped in a system that does not listen to them. “Bolt decides the price, the promotion, and the deductions, but when things go wrong, it is the rider who stands face to face with an angry passenger.” He added, “You start the day hopefully, but by evening you feel drained, disrespected, and powerless.”
Mr. Gidion Gilbert echoed this sentiment, saying that riders are often perceived as greedy when they question discounts, without considering the pressure they face. “A passenger might save a few thousand shillings, but for me that money could be fuel for the next trip or food for my family,” he said. “When Bolt runs promotions, it feels like they are celebrating customers while ignoring the people doing the actual work.”
Passengers Caught in the Middle
Passengers, too, are caught in the middle of this conflict. One commuter shared her experience: “One day I travelled from Posta to Ubungo. The app showed Sh3,000. To avoid an argument, I just gave the rider Sh6,000. It’s becoming normal.” Ms. Judith Gumbo said she now avoids using discounts altogether. “You feel pressured to add money, not because you want to, but because you don’t want tension or an uncomfortable ride.”
Clarifying the System
Some riders believe the recurring disputes stem from limited understanding of how the system works. “Many drivers and passengers don’t update their apps regularly,” one rider said. “That’s where confusion starts—one sees a different fare from the other. Any discount given to the customer is compensated by the provider.”
In response to the protests, Bolt Tanzania dismissed claims circulating on social media that passenger discounts and high deductions are hurting motorcycle taxi riders operating on its platform. Speaking to The Citizen, the company’s Country Public Relations Manager, Mr. Gilbert Ginono, emphasized that it is incorrect to suggest that drivers lose income when passengers receive discounts.
“If a passenger receives a 30 percent discount on a Sh10,000 trip, the passenger pays Sh7,000, whether in cash or by card, and Bolt covers the remaining Sh3,000,” he said. According to Mr. Ginono, drivers still receive the full agreed fare. “The driver gets Sh10,000—Sh7,000 from the passenger and Sh3,000 paid digitally by Bolt. The company absorbs the cost, so the driver is not affected.”
He acknowledged that complications arise when drivers have outstanding debts on the platform, as the amount owed is automatically deducted when Bolt credits the driver with the discount compensation. “If a driver has no debts, they can withdraw the full amount. Challenges only occur when there are existing obligations,” he said.
On complaints about allegedly high deductions, Mr. Ginono said the issue had been resolved more than two years ago through engagement with the regulator. “This matter was addressed with LATRA to ensure drivers are charged fairly,” he said, adding that deductions are a normal part of business operations. “Drivers pay taxes like other business operators, just as Bolt does. Even so, deductions do not reach 30 percent.”
Mr. Ginono urged riders to attend Bolt’s training sessions and engagement forums to reduce misinformation and improve understanding of how the platform operates. “These engagements help address misunderstandings and ensure drivers are well informed,” he said.
