A driver of cab-hailing service, Bolt, identified as Asagei Bataasoma with Toyota Vitz car number GE 3082-23 has allegedly run away with the change of a passenger and almost ran her over in the process.
The incident occurred on Tuesday 20th June 2023 when the female passenger (name withheld), a journalist with a reputable media house, requested a ride at 6:38 am from Westlands to Dzorwulu and asked for a stop to pick up her colleagues near the BOST office at Dzorwulu.
Surprisingly, the driver, Asagei Bataasoma (as it appeared on the Bolt app) informed her that Bolt drivers are not permitted to make unscheduled stops during a journey.
He then sarcastically suggested to her to next time indicate she would stop on the way whenever she requests a Bolt ride.
He claimed he was only a minute away from his destination and could not make an unplanned stop.
The passenger was extremely displeased with the driver’s response but continued the journey anyway.
The fare, as indicated by the meter, was GH¢28 and she handed out a GH¢100 note; but the driver insisted on receiving payment via mobile money.
She, however, indicated she did not have sufficient cash in her mobile money wallet.
Asagei Bataasoma left the car supposedly to look for change but returned after 20 minutes, jumped into his vehicle, started the ignition and was about to leave without giving the change to his passenger.
She saw him jump into the vehicle, however, and hurried over to take the change but Asagei Bataasoma took off suddenly, even as her outstretched arm was still in the car window.
Thankfully, she managed to pull her arm away in time as the vehicle sped off and thus escaping from possible serious harm.
She promptly reported the incident to the company, which incidentally, falsely claimed the driver had returned the payment and is surprisingly yet to address the incident.
The passenger, therefore, reported the matter to the Dzorwulu police station and is awaiting investigation and further action.