country" rides after Nigeria
- People were booking and then cancelling rides in another country as a prank.
- This led to chaos and confusion among ride-sharing services.
- Authorities are investigating the situation to prevent further incidents.
Online taxi service Bolt has implemented restrictions on ride requests between Nigeria and South Africa following a surge in prank cancellations fueled by social media rivalry. Users from one country were booking rides in the other, only to cancel them, causing significant disruptions for drivers. Munyaradzi Chinyama, a Bolt driver in Cape Town, shared his frustration after receiving multiple fake ride requests, which resulted in wasted fuel and time. In response to the situation, Bolt has taken action by identifying and blocking users who engage in this disruptive behavior. The company acknowledged the negative impact on its driver-partners in both Nigeria and South Africa, emphasizing their commitment to supporting those affected. Social media users have expressed their discontent, with one commenting on the prank's implications for hardworking drivers. The phenomenon, dubbed the "Bolt challenge," has not only inconvenienced drivers but also led to increased ride prices in both countries, leaving many unable to afford transportation. A Nigerian driver recounted a similar experience, highlighting the frustration of receiving a ride request from an international number, only for the customer to cancel without showing up. As tensions between South Africans and Nigerians continue to escalate on social media, the situation underscores the broader implications of online interactions on real-world livelihoods. Bolt's measures aim to mitigate the fallout from this rivalry, which has drawn attention to the challenges faced by drivers in both nations.