Grace Ashiru
Bolt, the on-demand mobility company in Africa, has introduced new Trip Safety Monitoring features for its ride-hailing vehicles. These features offer enhanced support to drivers and riders through a dedicated in-house safety team. The update enables Bolt to automatically initiate in-app interactions with riders and drivers if a vehicle remains stationary for an extended period, ensuring their well-being. This feature allows users to contact emergency services directly, share trip details, record audio, or seek Bolt Assistance with a single touch through the in-app notification.
Bolt has unveiled its upcoming enhancements in Trip Safety Monitoring, encompassing features such as route deviation and delayed ride completion. These additions are integral to Bolt’s continuous commitment to fortifying safety measures on its platform, fostering increased support for drivers and riders. The aim is to pinpoint and discourage improper driver and rider conduct effectively.
Moreover, the Bolt App incorporates additional safety measures to ensure the well-being of both drivers and riders. This includes incorporating in-app Safety Toolkit features, such as real-time trip sharing, that enables users to share their location with friends and family. Additionally, the app boasts an Emergency Assist button, allowing riders to swiftly and discreetly alert emergency services or private security partners if they feel uneasy during a ride.
Linda Ndungu, serving as the Country Manager for Bolt Kenya, emphasized the unwavering commitment to safety within the Bolt platform. The company consistently allocates resources to introduce innovative products and features to strengthen the Bolt app’s safety framework. The latest improvement involves implementing new Trip Safety Monitoring features, representing a significant advancement in the continuous effort to provide seamless support for drivers and riders throughout a Bolt trip. This update is strategically designed to empower users, enabling them to easily identify and report unusual occurrences and ultimately deter undesirable outcomes during their trip.
Bolt recently introduced the Driver Selfie Check feature, enhancing safety for users on the platform. This feature ensures driver verification, preventing impersonation and discouraging account sharing. When drivers go online, they are prompted to take a selfie for identity verification. If the selfie doesn’t match the previously shared driver details, the driver is restricted from offering services until verification is completed.
This safety enhancement comes after Bolt’s license renewal by Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in October. This renewal followed Bolt’s proactive suspension of its controversial 5% booking fee.
