This is a throwback to how the exit of Uber was predicted and it serves the misinformation being peddled that Tinubunomics did not work as posted on the frontpage (https://www.nairaland.com/8741240/uber-exit-exposes-pitfalls-tinubunomics). Tinubunomics actually worked and provided smart initiative that out-competed Uber. Other ride-hailing companies like Bolt will need to shape up or ship out because LagRide is coming for them too.
WHY LAGRIDE MUST IMMEDIATELY RETIRE UBER AND BOLT IN LAGOS - by Tope Fasua, May 20, 2023: Say what you like, Lagos is changing and in a good way. I personally find not much for which to condemn that great city-state each time I visit. No city-state is perfect. The traffic snarls in Lagos are nowhere near what is seen in many cities in China, Japan, UK or US, and the deployment of entities like LASTMA means we have thinking people in government ready to solve local problems using local solutions.
Lagos is the only city in Nigeria where you are likely to find some functioning traffic lights; development has spread with new cities opening up in the Lekki-Epe axis, while old areas such as Agege-Alakuko and Mile 2 towards Badagry get a new lease of life. But what concerns me today is LagRide, the rideshare idea put together by the government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. LagRide are these white-and-blue taxis that operate under a public-private partnership with the Lagos state government; the state does not own any taxi but enables the car manufacturer (Chinese, I think) to sell to investors and drivers under some lease agreement, and it leans on technology to ensure the fidelity of all transactions.
LagRide is holding up better than the now-tired Uber and Bolt in terms of standards: the cars listed on Uber/Bolt are increasingly dilapidated, drivers seem less trained, and they routinely frustrate riders at the Lagos local airport (MMA2) by picking and canceling rides simply to obtain your phone number and negotiate higher prices off-app. Unlike Uber and Bolt, LagRide taxis in Lagos state colors hardly cancel once they accept your request; the cars are fairly new, with at least one camera installed to record every ride, giving both rider and driver confidence.
I understand just 1,000 cars were deployed in the first phase, with many a 'big man' having bought the N7-N8 million Chinese cars and parked them at home. One driver said he took someone to Redeemed Camp and found more than 100 LagRide cars parked there. An average driver takes home at least N150,000 per month; two statutory payments are made daily - N6,000 for the app company and N9,000 for the finance company that bankrolled the car - with the balance for fuel and the driver, except where an owner collects 20-40% of daily takings.
The only complaint gathered from drivers is that the state government should step in and reduce exploitation...
