The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it has resolved operational issues surrounding Bolt operations and also cleared it to commence services at FAAN-managed airports immediately
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Henry Agbebire
Agbebire said that in view of the successful resolution, the agency appreciated members of the travelling public for their patience and understanding during the recent period of inconvenience occasioned by efforts to establish an agreeable and sustainable operational framework for e-hailing services at FAAN-managed airports.
He explained that for nearly a decade,it has been working to address challenges arising from the activities of commercial and e-hailing vehicles within the airport environment, including increasing cases of passenger solicitation and touting, unregulated operations, random pick-ups, and associated safety, security and accountability concerns.
These challenges, which in some instances involve drivers operating across more than one platform, Agbebire said have made it necessary for the authority to strengthen the management and visibility of commercial transportation within the airport.
He further explained that it was in response to these concerns that FAAN introduced Airport Car Hire Rank Management System(ACHRAMS), a queue-management and airport transportation management system designed to bring greater structure, visibility and accountability to the operations of authorised airport car-hire services.
ACHRAMS , the FAAN spokesman, said is not an e-hailing application and was never conceived as a competitor to Uber, Bolt or any other mobility platform but that its function is limited to the management of airport car-hire ranks and the authorised operations associated with them.
The Director pointed out that it supports healthy competition and does not seek to create or promote a monopoly in airport transportation.
He also clarified that the fares highlighted in some of the recent public discussions were not rates newly imposed by FAAN or created by ACHRAMS, adding that airport taxi fares have existed independently of the application, and the rates themselves were not substantially different from those previously applicable.
Agbebire stated that what ACHRAMS introduced was greater visibility and transparency around the prevailing airport-taxi rates, making the cost more readily apparent to passengers, adding that it however recognised that the comparison with the lower fares passengers had become accustomed to through e-hailing platforms understandably heightened public concern.
He said in the statement that it is aware of and deeply appreciates the concerns expressed by passengers over the increased cost and inconvenience experienced during the temporary interruption of e-hailing services.
“We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers.
“While the Authority’s actions were driven by regulatory, safety and security considerations rather than economic interests, FAAN acknowledges that the immediate impact on passengers was significant.
“We have listened, reflected and made the necessary adjustments.
“The Authority is therefore pleased to announce that, following constructive engagements, FAAN and Bolt have reached an agreeable operational framework and Bolt is cleared to commence its services at FAAN-managed airports immediately” he said.
The resolution, image maker noted demonstrates that it is possible to protect the integrity and security of the airport environment while preserving the convenience and freedom of choice that e-hailing services provide to passengers.
Agbebire said that FAAN remain engaged with other e-hailing operators and is confident that the outstanding discussions will be concluded in the coming days.
FAAN, he reiterated that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options that best meet their needs.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that whichever authorised service they choose operates within a safe, secure, orderly and accountable airport environment,” the Director said.
He thanked the travelling public for its patience and understanding and assures passengers that their safety, security, convenience and overall airport experience remain at the centre of FAAN’s decisions
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