Ride-hailing firm, Bolt, has informed riders that its operations resume on Monday, May 4, 2020, in line with the guideline of the Lagos State government. Bolt, which disclosed this via an e-mail sent to its riders and seen by Nairametrics on Sunday, also issued community guidelines for the riders.
According to the mail, which was sent by “Uche from Bolt” (the email account it typically uses to send messages to its customers), revealed the firm’s drivers would work between the hours of 6 am and 8 pm, as directed by the state government.
It stated, “Following directives from the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, our ride-hailing services will now be available from 6 am to 7 pm. We advise all riders to request their homebound rides by 5 pm at the latest. No new orders will be accepted from 6 pm. This is to allow drivers sufficient time to drop you off and head home before the curfew.
“Remember that it’s still important to act responsibly and limit close contact with others. You are required to wear a face mask covering your mouth and nose before getting in the vehicle, in line with government directives. Do not attempt to ride without a mask. The Centre for Disease Control has prepared some best practices for face mask use including how to make one yourself at home.
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“Take the back seat. Our vehicles will only take 2 passengers per car. Air conditioners will be turned off to allow proper ventilation. Wash your hands regularly and use a hand sanitiser before and after each ride. Switch to an in-app payment method (debit/credit card) to reduce the amount of contact when paying. Stay home if you feel sick.”
Meanwhile, Nairametrics reported it when the ride-hailing firms suspended their operations to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country.
For instance, the Uber, in a statement, stated its operations would no longer be available following the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to restrict movement in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States.
The directive was given after the confirmed cases of Coronavirus increased within these states and spread across nine other states. According to President Buhari, only companies that render essential services would be allowed to operate in the states.
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It added that the suspension of the activities could be more than 14 days depending on further guidelines released by the Nigerian government.
“As announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on March 29, 2020, there will be a restriction of all movement within Lagos and Abuja during the 14-day lockdown which begins at 11 pm on Monday, 30th March.
“Based on this directive, Uber will temporarily cease operations for the period of the lockdown, subject to any further government announcements. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19 in Nigeria,” it stated.
Ride-hailing firms like Uber have been on the receiving end of the lockdown having being out of operations since it commenced in March. However, it could see a resurgence as riders rely more on it for transportation instead of public buses.
