Bolt to digitize Boda-boda transport service in Gulu City

GULU –  Boda-boda cyclists plying the various streets in Gulu City have been tipped to embrace digital tools in order to earn more money.

This follows the launch of a European mobility company, Bolt that joined the Uganda transport sector in 2017.

Bolt joined Gulu City’s Boda-boda transport market with intentions of digitizing its services.

Currently, Gulu City has more than 10,000 riders registered in two major groups; Gulu City West Boda-boda Cyclists’ Association and their counterparts in Gulu City East Division Boda-boda Cyclists’ Association.

Speaking during the launch of Bolt Uganda to our reporter via zoom on Friday, Moses Mugerwa, the Company’s Operations Manager says almost all the cyclists in Gulu City have not fully embraced technology as a tool to enhance their earning in the business. He says most of the riders only share their contacts to their clients for the “next day” call up.

Mugerwa who is rallying cyclists to join their platform says a cyclist can earn up to Shs 300,000 per week depending on their availability.

“The research we did when we first launched operations in Kampala in 2017 showed that one can earn up to Shs 300,000 per week if available for at least 40 hours,” says Mugerwa.

He says they are currently in talks with the Boda-boda associations in Gulu City so that more riders and drivers are registered on the digital platform which will see one connected to his or her client online.

He observed that the advantage with digital operation is that the transporter is monitored online for security and emergency purposes.

“Upon registering as a member using your National Identity Card, riding or driving permit, you are monitored using our online platforms and in case you are involved in an accident or in some sort of emergency, standby teams are able to rescue the situation,” Mugerwa explained.

Denis Opoka, a cyclist who stages at Nyeko Bali Kare in Layibi Central sub-ward in Laroo Pece division says many of them don’t have smartphones to enable them tap into such opportunities that could earn them extra money.

He says he has been giving out his phone number to his clients as well building their trust which has helped him earn some extra money.

Steven Ojok, a member of St Mary’s Lacor stage in Lamogi sub-county in Amuru district wondered, how one can earn through digital operation opportunities being offered by Bolt Uganda.

Ojok says that despite the fact that many people have smartphones, internet costs are high and network is very unreliable.

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“Many people have smartphones but don’t have the time to go online checking which cyclist is near them or just jump on a cyclist without going through the trouble of searching online, leave alone the internet costs,” Ojok argued.

Mugerwa says if and when a cyclist is registered onto the Bolt Uganda online platform, the lowest amount to carry a passenger on a motorcycle is Shs 2000 and one earns a bonus of Shs 450 per kilometer and Shs 50 per minute of every distance travelled respectively. While for a car, the lowest rate to carry a passenger is Shs 8000 with a Shs 1000 bonus package per kilometer and Shs 500 per minute respectively.

Justine Ochora, the Gulu City West Boda-boda Association Spokesperson says, whereas the digital opportunity is already available, there’s need for the players to engage with the clients who are already used to the minimal charge of Shs 1000.

Simon Ojara, a resident of Patuda in Bar Dege Layibi division says that charging him an extra Shs 1000 for the same distance is going to be very tricky. He says as much as the world is evolving and there’s need for technological enhancement in every aspect, some sectors need time to fully embrace it.

“Do you think I will be willing to pay an extra Shs 1000 for the same distance? It’s not going to be easy given the tough economic times; thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. I understand that we need to embrace technology but I think we need to go slow with some sectors especially the transport sector,” Ojara sarcastically noted.

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