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Little Cab increases fares to quell drivers’ revolt


Safaricom-backed taxi hailing app Little Ride on Thursday announced an increase in it’s fares.

The new prices will see Little Cab charge Sh35 per kilometre, up from Sh30, in both Nairobi and Mombasa.

According to Chief Executive Kamal Budhabhatti, the decision was made to appease drivers who “have to work for long hours for them to make a profit”.

‘BRIDGING GAP’

“As a Kenyan, I want to be sure that I don’t take our fellow drivers for granted. I humbly request you, our riders to accept this minor price adjustment which will go a long way in bridging the gap towards a better driver welfare,” said Mr Budhabhatti.

The weekend offers of discounted rides at Sh25 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will however still remain the same.

“These discounts come from our pocket, drivers would earn their full income,” he said.

PRICE WAR

The increase is set to  spark another price war with arch-rivals Uber and Taxify .

Drivers working with taxi-hailing companies have recently held boycotts to push for a review of their cut.

 

In March 2017, Uber Kenya was forced to increase its fare by 20 per cent after drivers went on strike over low profits. The previous year, Uber had cut its fare to Sh 35 per kilometre, after Little Cab began offering lower prices.

 

Uber currently charges a 25 percent commission on each ride, while apps like Taxify and Little Cab charge 15 percent.