In a recent Tech Trends Podcast, Hazel from Bolt discussed the company’s commitment to safety for both passengers and drivers in African markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Pricing disputes, often caused by traffic delays, route changes, or app issues, are the main source of safety incidents on Bolt trips, leading to tension between passengers and drivers. Additionally, false claims by passengers are a significant challenge, prompting Bolt to temporarily restrict driver access during investigations. Drivers have the option to take legal action against such claims, while Bolt employs behavioral monitoring to identify recurring safety risks.
To enhance passenger safety, Bolt has introduced several measures, including pickup verification codes to ensure correct vehicle entry, verified driver badges for those with high safety compliance, and an option for women-only rides. Passengers can also share their live location with trusted contacts and access an emergency SOS button that connects them to Rescue services with rapid response times.
For drivers, Bolt offers safety and support features like behavioral monitoring through AI and analytics, an audio recording feature for trip interactions, and pilot phone-based dash cams. Driver identity is verified through regular selfie checks, and financial literacy programs help drivers manage earnings while offering incentives for responsible driving.
Bolt encourages immediate reporting of incidents, with 24/7 in-app support available for emergencies. By integrating AI, real-time monitoring, and behavioral analytics, Bolt aims to create a safe, reliable, and convenient ride-hailing environment. The company is dedicated to fostering trust in transportation across its markets through technology, verification, emergency response, and support.
