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.
Uber has a long-established reputation for safety, and features like detailed driver background checks, in-app emergency buttons, and real-time ride tracking and sharing instil confidence in riders. Many passengers appreciate knowing that help is just a tap away should something go wrong on their journey.
Bolt also offers a suite of similar safety features.
The Winner: There is no winner in this category.
Customer Care and Physical Offices
Customer care is a much-needed help for every error that occurs during rides.
Uber’s customer service is primarily in-app, so that you can get support quickly. For many Nigerians, especially younger people, this method works just fine. However, there are moments when a friendly face and a personal conversation could go a long way.
Bolt, aware of this need, has been making strides in establishing physical offices in some Nigerian cities. This local presence can provide a more personal touch, ensuring that customers who prefer face-to-face interactions have a place to go when they need assistance. Imagine walking into an office, explaining your issue in person, and getting that immediate reassurance—sometimes, technology can’t replicate human connection. But Bolt’s in-app resolutions are slow.
The Winner: Bolt gets a share of the win for having physical offices for complaint resolution, while Uber takes the other share for how quickly issues get resolved in-app.
Range of Choices for Rides
One of the most exciting aspects of these rides is the variety of options available to suit every mood and occasion.
Uber has a well-rounded portfolio, offering everything from economical rides like UberX to the more upscale Uber Black for those times when you feel like arriving in style. This range ensures that there are varying options to match your budget.
Bolt, too, has been expanding its offerings. While it started with a focus on affordability, the platform now provides a spectrum of ride choices that cater to different needs. Whether you want a simple ride or something more premium, Bolt gradually adds options like Bolt Comfort and Bolt XL.
The Winner: This is another category that has to end as a tie, as both platforms offer various ride options.
Driver Experience and Quality
This may come last, but it is also one of the most important aspects of a ride. Your ride is only as good as the company you have.
Bolt riders sometimes report that the drivers don’t always deliver their ride experiences professionally, and other times, they aren’t as knowledgeable about the app.
On the other hand, Uber prides itself on the proper driver checks it undergoes, which translates into a better rider experience.
The Winner: This category goes to Uber for its thorough vetting process.
Conclusion
After weighing the scales on ease of use, pricing, driver availability, safety, customer support, ride options, and quality of drivers, it becomes clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice might depend on your priorities on any given day.
Choose Uber for better and consistent ride fares and more secure rides. Choose Bolt for better driver availability, promos, and discounts.
Where To Download — Bolt. Apple Store and Google Playstore.
Where To Download — Uber. Apple Store and Google Playstore.