In January, Bolt drivers in Ida-Viru County protested low fares. Similarly, in mid-March, drivers in Saaremaa suspended Bolt's services for 24 hours, with some defecting to a rival Estonian transport company, Forus Taxi.

Andres Veski, a Bolt driver in Ida-Viru County, noted that while the protests led to a slight price increase, fares in Tallinn remain roughly double those in his region. For instance, a ride from Ida-Viru County to Tallinn costs €60, but the return trip from Tallinn costs over €120.

"When we go to the grocery store, we pay the exact same price for food as elsewhere in Estonia. Yet, when we provide a service, we are forced to do it at a much lower rate," Veski said. "Until last autumn, we were able to set our own prices. Then, incomprehensible algorithms were imposed on us. Returning to a system where we set our own rates would be a solution."

Oscar Rõõm, Bolt's ride service manager, acknowledged the regional price differences. He explained that their complex pricing model depends on the number of active drivers and customers, travel distances, regional wage levels, and overall demand.

"Our goal is to maximize drivers' earnings everywhere, because the more drivers earn, the more we earn," Rõõm stated. "We regularly meet with drivers and try to conduct negotiations openly to reach the best possible solutions." He added that Bolt has thousands of drivers across the country, a number that has remained stable recently.

Meanwhile, Forus Taxi CEO Tiit Isop reported that his company has recently gained drivers and expanded its service area. Like Bolt, Forus utilizes region-specific pricing.

"Pricing must ensure drivers earn enough revenue to maintain their vehicles and make necessary investments," Isop said. "If nothing remains from the business activity, there's no point to it. That's why local conditions must be taken into account to ensure the driver's business remains sustainable."
 

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