TechPression

Tag: Bolt

  • Bolt challenges InDrive dominance in Botswana

    Bolt challenges InDrive dominance in Botswana

    The ride-hailing market in Botswana is getting more competitive as Bolt, the company based in Estonia, joins the country and challenges the leadership of inDrive, the app based in California. 

    Both platforms are offering incentives to attract drivers and customers, but they also face some obstacles in the Southern African nation.

    Bolt offers zero commission for six months

    Bolt started in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, on February 28, the same day that inDrive introduced a 10% commission charge for its drivers. Bolt said it will not charge any commission from its drivers for the first six months, as part of its rollout plan. The company said it has onboarded 100 drivers so far and aims to increase its income while offering competitive pricing to customers.

    Read also: Bolt announces audio travel recording safety function

    Bolt is not new to Africa, as it operates in 14 countries on the continent, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. The company offers various services, such as ride-hailing, micro-mobility rental, food and grocery delivery, and car sharing. Bolt also claims to have several safety features, such as an SOS button, a share-my-ride option, and a driver unmatching feature. Additionally, Bolt requires its drivers to have all the relevant licenses from local regulators.

    inDrive defends its commission charge

    inDrive, on the other hand, has been operating in Botswana since February 2019 and has been the only ride-hailing platform in the country until now. The company said it decided to introduce a 10% commission charge for its drivers, after operating without commissions for five years, to make further investments in Botswana, which it considers a “top priority market”.

    Vincent Lilane, the business development representative of inDrive in Southern Africa, said the commission charge aligns with the company’s strategic goals to provide fair urban mobility access to more customers in Botswana. inDrive’s model allows riders to set a price for a ride, which a driver can accept or refuse.

    However, not all drivers are happy with the commission charge. Some drivers who spoke to journalists said it was unfair for inDrive to start charging commissions before addressing some issues they had raised, such as the low prices offered by some riders and the lack of a minimum fare. One driver said he only accepted some rides because of desperation. Another driver said he did not mind the commission, as he understood that inDrive was a business, too.

    Challenges and opportunities in the ride-hailing market

    Both Bolt and inDrive face some challenges and opportunities in the ride-hailing market in Botswana. The market is ready for growth, as there is a high demand for alternative and affordable transport options, especially in urban areas. However, the market also presents some difficulties, such as the allegations of driver misconduct, the pushback from public transport operators, and the regulatory uncertainties.

    Bolt and inDrive will have to compete for drivers and customers while also ensuring their safety and satisfaction. The ride-hailing war in Botswana has just started, and it remains to be seen how it will unfold in the coming months,

  • Bolt drivers with 50 rides get N10,000 monthly fuel subsidy

    Bolt drivers with 50 rides get N10,000 monthly fuel subsidy

    Bolt, the leading ride-hailing provider, offers drivers a fuel subsidy bonus. The ride-hailing company told Reuters this was part of its ongoing support for drivers’ earnings. The gasoline subsidy bonus campaign would target Lagos and Abuja drivers.

    Since the Bola Tinubu-led federal government eliminated fuel subsidies on May 29, ride-hailing drivers’ incomes have plummeted. The company’s inaugural ride-hailing campaign would reward drivers N10,000 weekly to help them cope with rising gasoline expenses.

    Bolt Nigeria Country Manager Yahaya Mohammed said the campaign is part of the company’s long-term commitment to support its driver-partners and help them succeed. He stressed that drivers are the company’s backbone, and they want them to flourish and earn more.

    The initiative to support our driver-partners is motivated by rising fuel prices. We understand the economy and are always devoted to helping our driver-partners earn more. Bolt prioritizes drivers and doesn’t take their dedication for granted in a competitive market. We are pleased that thousands of drivers are taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity and hope many more will complete 50 weekly trips and earn extra.

    Read also: Bolt Nigeria to introduce NIN and selfie verification in 2024

    More on Bolt’s push to subsidize fuel

    The goal of Bolt’s fuel subsidy programme is to help drivers deal with the higher fuel cost since the subsidy was taken away. Over 6,000 drivers who work in Lagos and Abuja are the target of the programme. Drives will get a fuel subsidy bonus of up to NGN 10,000 weekly during the campaign, which runs through December.

    In other words, drivers could get up to N40,000 each in fuel aid bonuses by the end of December. But there’s a catch: drivers must have made at least 50 weekly trips to get the bonus. This is the same as making about 7.1 trips every day.

    The effort to subsidize fuel is the latest in a long line of steps that the e-hailing giant has taken to help drivers make more money on the platform. In September, the company offered a 10% bonus to drivers who decided to move their cars to economy class.

    The ride-hailing company told drivers the decision was required because of poor economic conditions that have reduced platform orders. They blamed the gasoline subsidy loss, fuel price hike, and fare increase.

    Bolt Kenya terminates the contracts of 5,000 drivers

    Bolt told Reuters that the effort targeted just “top performing drivers”. It stated the effort aimed to improve rider options, driver order volume, and driver earnings.

    The company introduced the “Drive for a Prize Challenge” in Nigeria later that month to support its loyal drivers—the driver support campaign rewards top-performing e-hailing drivers with prizes. Mobile phones and new TVs are among these prizes.

    Since 2020, Drive for a Prize has awarded drivers up to N50 million.

    A gasoline subsidy incentive is a fantastic idea, but why is it only for Lagos and Abuja cars? Nigeria’s major e-hailing markets are Lagos and Abuja, although drivers in smaller cities make less money and may need subsidies just as much.

  • Bolt adds Caroline Wanjihia as Africa Regional Director

    Bolt adds Caroline Wanjihia as Africa Regional Director

    Bolt made Caroline Wanjihia its Africa Regional Director. For Africa and International Markets, including the Middle East, Asia, and LATAM, Ms. Wanjihia will oversee the company. Bolt’s statement is part of its regional operations improvement effort.

    “I feel privileged and eager to assume this responsibility. Ride-hailing services can transform how people travel, communicate, and access economic opportunities in Africa,” says Caroline Wanjihia, the new Regional Director for Africa and International Markets.

    She says, “My dedication lies in making a meaningful contribution and spearheading the company’s mission to foster safe, reliable, and accessible mobility solutions, ultimately propelling growth and expansion across the continent and wider region.”

    The University of Nairobi awarded Caroline a Bachelor of Laws. Additionally, she is a CPA and CFA Level III Candidate. With over 15 years of experience, she is a respected Strategy, Business Development, and Operations Director. Caroline has guided Coca-Cola, Diageo, Barclays, PwC, and Old Mutual in creating their company strategy and growth using her unique tactics.

    Bolt Rides Senior Vice President Paddy Patridge said, “We are thrilled to have Caroline at the helm of our operations in Africa. Her leadership, dedication, and knowledge will drive our mission to change transport and mobility services across the continent. This important appointment shows our commitment to regional business growth.”

    Read also: Bolt announces Bolt Den Accelerator program

    Caroline Wanjihia’s long-term plan for Bolt’s sustainability and social duty

    New Bolt Regional Director for Africa Caroline Wanjihia is expected to integrate environmental measures into the company’s operations.

    As part of the planned work, Bolt’s environmental effect will be evaluated and kept as low as possible by making car fleets more energy efficient and looking into renewable energy options.

    Ms. Wanjihia may focus on the needs of the community and support projects that go beyond business deals. These could include community outreach programmes, partnerships with local groups, and investments in education and skill development.

    The main goal of Ms Wanjihia’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan is to encourage ethical business practices at Bolt, such as fair labor standards, open communication, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion.

    Technology can improve things, and Ms. Wanjihia is looking into how Bolt’s platform can help solve social problems and make things easier for communities that aren’t getting enough help.

    Bolt Kenya gets license renewal after 5% booking fee refund

    It is likely that establishing mechanisms for accountability and transparency—such as frequent reporting on sustainability targets, environmental impact evaluations, and community involvement programs—will take precedence.

    Ms Wanjihia may create CSR programmes that follow global sustainability standards while also taking into account and meeting the unique social and environmental needs of each local area. This is because Bolt operates in many different areas.

  • Bolt announces Bolt Den Accelerator program

    Bolt announces Bolt Den Accelerator program

    Bolt, the biggest ride-hailing company in Africa, has announced the start of its much-anticipated Bolt Den Accelerator Program.

    This is a ground-breaking effort to help its drivers become better business owners.

    The top 20 finalists were announced at a virtual induction event on November 8, 2023. This was a big step toward giving drivers more power to become entrepreneurs.

    Twenty of the best drivers have been chosen to participate in Bolt Den’s changing two-week boot camp phase. This part is essential because it’s where new ideas are born, and drivers learn the most critical things in business development, financial management, digital marketing, and more.

    The drivers were chosen from Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, and Kwara after a challenging selection process that began with coming up with ideas. They are now getting ready for pitch day, which is coming up on November 20, 2023. At that time, they will show their innovative ideas to well-known judges from the banking, science, and education industries.

    Read also: Bolt Nigeria starts a 3-month online training hub

    About Bolt Den Pitch Day

    A distinguished panel of judges will examine the drivers’ ideas and select the best 10. Bolt is dedicated to helping its drivers innovate and grow, and these finalists will receive €2,000 in seed capital and a 6-week business mentorship program.

    The Bolt Den initiative will conclude on November 21 with an award ceremony and the launch of the Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum’s landmark report on “Shared Mobility’s Global Impact” in Africa and Europe.

    Ewoma Bolt, Nigeria Public Policy Specialist Jerry-Ogeme, was excited, seeing drivers as the driving force behind mobility change. Jerry-Ogeme remarked, “We are excited to witness the evolution of your ideas as you learn, unlearn, and relearn through ideation.

    The shortlisted drivers eagerly awaited pitch day to compete for 2000 euros in seed funding. The Nest Programs Manager Paradise Okoronkwo, praised the drivers’ inventiveness, determination, and talent, highlighting their transformative journey.

    Your creativity, drive, and ability have set you apart in this competitive process, making this induction ceremony exciting and motivating. This is merely the start of a transformation”.

    Several weeks ago, the ride-hailing platform started an online driver training program. The second stage of its Accelerator Program, established in September to encourage mobility entrepreneurship among drivers, was announced to the media.

    The company call it a bespoke online training hub that will improve drivers’ business development skills. In-person implementation partners PM4Success and Coursera will manage the online training centre.

    Bolt opens Lagos driver engagement hub

    More program info

    November 20, 2023: Pitch Day

    Panel of Judges: 

    Prof Kemi Ogunyemi – Professor of Business Ethics, Lagos Business School

    Ray Ndinga – Disruptive Technologies & Venture Capital, International Finance Corporation

    Dr Andreas Nienhaus – Partner, Automotive & Mobility Team, Co-Head of Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum Kolapo Ogungbile – Vatebra Tech Hub Mayowa Owolabi – Paddy Cover

    Hakeem Onasanya – Head Startups, Lagos Innovates

    Yahaya Mohammed – Country Manager, Bolt

  • Bolt Food exits Nigeria with 5% market share

    Bolt Food exits Nigeria with 5% market share

    Bolt Food leaves Nigeria on December 7 after two years. The company controlled only 5% of the burgeoning Nigerian market before it decided it was leaving. Following “heavy investments” in the market, this was well below expectations.

    Femi Adeyemo, Bolt’s Nigerian communications manager, revealed this. After reviewing its Nigerian performance, the corporation reached this conclusion. Bolt operates frugally and efficiently, he noted. Thus, they may make tough choices that strengthen their service ecology. Not continuing Bolt Food in Nigeria is one.

    We have heavily invested in these markets over the last three years, offering low commissions to expand selection and incentives to switch to Bolt Food. Unfortunately, these investments in Nigeria have only achieved less than 5% market share, he noted.

    Read also: MarketForce shuts down operations in three countries

    Nigeria’s Bolt Food

    Online food delivery in Nigeria was worth $834.7 million in 2022. Market growth is anticipated to reach $1,719.4 million from 2023 to 2028 at 12.2%. 

    This may have prompted Bolt Food’s October 2021 e-commerce entry into Nigeria. The COVID-19 epidemic saw the rise of contactless activities. As individuals were unwilling to leave their houses for food, the company decided to deliver it to their doorsteps.

    Jumia Foods, Gokada, and O-Foods competed fiercely. After Glovo, Kwik, and Chowdeck entered, the competition became much more complicated. These players came in with more innovation, compelling features, diverse products, and a desire to outperform their predecessors.

    The latest recession worsened things. Government measures have eroded buying power and boosted inflation. As buying power fell, food delivery firms competed.

    Many Nigerian firms are struggling with low economic indexes. Include Bolt Food, e-hailing, etc. The firm appears to be abandoning its Nigerian food section to focus on its struggling e-hailing business. The company believes this matches its long-term strategy.

    This helps our long-term ambition to run sustainable business lines and spend resources where they will have the most impact and provide the best services to our customers and partners. The company told reports it will not reduce E-hailing services.

    Food-tech Startup Kune Food Shutdown Due To Lack of Funding

    Food delivery issues

    Nigeria’s food delivery sector is growing this year. The increased popularity of fast food and eating out, especially among young people, is to blame. On October 31, 2023, Chowdeck delivered over N1 billion in food, despite celebrating delivering a billion Naira in merchandise since starting in March.

    Chowdeck works in Nigeria’s major cities: Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt. It claims 1,300 regular riders earn N55,000 every week. Food service might be a significant industry for Nigerian motorcyclists.

    The food delivery firm must manage client standards, food handling, market prices, and logistics. However, as the sector grows, more money will be spent on problem-solving.

    Bolt Food may not grow in the future. When asked if the vertical would return, the corporation indicated it was focused on e-hailing. It also indicated that this exodus is exclusively happening in Nigeria and won’t happen in any other African markets.

  • Bolt Nigeria starts a 3-month online training hub

    Bolt Nigeria starts a 3-month online training hub

    The leading ride-hailing business, Bolt, offers drivers online training. This is the second step of its Accelerator Program, started in September to encourage mobility entrepreneurship among drivers, according to reports.

    According to the corporation, the bespoke online training hub will improve drivers’ business development skills. Coursera and PM4Success will manage the online training center.

    Bolt Nigeria believes their three-month programme includes critical entrepreneurial skills like Time Management, Productivity, Communication, Customer Service, Project Management, Leadership, and Organisation.

    Bolt Academy is a big step toward making Bolt drivers incredibly smart businesspeople. A statement says that 100 drivers will attend weekly classes to learn how to run their businesses better.

    Read also: Bolt Kenya gets license renewal after 5% booking fee refund

    Program Bolt Accelerator and Den

    The online training started two months after the Bolt Den project was launched as part of the accelerator program. The program promises a €25,000 startup fund for the original business ideas Bolt drivers develop. The Den is a big deal for the company because it supports its goal to help entrepreneurs.

    A company review says that 1,275 drivers applied for the fast program. One hundred drivers moved on from the application stage to the brainstorming stage. These 100 drivers went to special classes to develop ideas and learn how to write business proposals.

    The top 20 drivers who have the most unique and possible business ideas will go through a brutal boot camp. The company said that this step is carefully planned to get them ready for the next Bolt Den stage.

    The training program will end with Pitch Day in November 2023. Here, drivers will tell a group of judges about their business ideas. The best ideas will get the start-up money they need to become real.

    Yahaya Mohammed, the country manager for Bolt Nigeria, was happy and said that the team was looking forward to seeing what the chosen drivers would do with their plans.

    “We are amazed and thrilled by how many people signed up for the Accelerator program and how excited the drivers were.” We think this project can give drivers more power, and we can’t wait to see what these creative business owners come up with.

    Bolt opens Johannesburg driver engagement center

    Dr. David Emumena, Managing Director of PM4Sucess International, called the initiative a fantastic opportunity. He said every driver can succeed and that his organization is committed to cultivating their entrepreneurial spirit and bridging the gap to prepare them for the future.

    Coursera Managing Director EMEA Hadi Moussa said the digital learning platform is excited to help Bolt drivers discover their potential and foster entrepreneurship.

    “This program helps individuals develop business skills and boosts Nigeria’s economy. It reinforces our belief that education transforms lives and communities,” he said.

  • Bolt Kenya gets license renewal after 5% booking fee refund

    Bolt Kenya gets license renewal after 5% booking fee refund

    Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) renewed Bolt Kenya’s operating license after weeks of uncertainty and disagreements. Bolt suspended its 5% booking charge yesterday to show its commitment to fixing the issue.

    Bolt explained that the additional 5% booking cost was on riders, not drivers, but the NTSA postponed its licence renewal due to worries that the company was charging more than 18% in commissions.

    Bolt is optimistic after the license renewal. Country Manager Linda Ndungu said, “We are happy to receive the renewal of our operating licence from the NTSA after collaborative dialogue between key stakeholders in the industry. This success shows our dedication to offering drivers viable earning possibilities on our platform and trustworthy and cost-efficient services to our customers.”

    It also reinforces our commitment to platform security for all users. This renewal confirms our status as a trusted and compliant ride-hailing company.

    The ride-hailing company can now operate legally after renewing its licence.

    Read also: Bolt announces audio travel recording safety function

    Bolt Kenya’s opponents face issues.

    Bolt isn’t the only ride-hailing service with a booking fee. Uber does, too, and their license renewal is due.

    Bolt’s license was renewed by the NTSA, which will not sit well with Little, one of Bolt’s main rivals in the Kenyan e-hailing market. Its CEO stated on LinkedIn that Bolt was unlicensed. He informed them, but Bolt hadn’t renewed its license by the deadline. He was furious Bolt worked in Kenya without a license.

    Bolt Kenya stopped its 5% booking charge recently while seeking information from the National Transport and Regulatory Authority (NTSA) about its licence renewal. The e-hailing company’s license renewal with NTSA had been disputed for years.

    Bolt announces “Scheduled Rides” for 72-hour trips

    The NTSA had turned down the license before because, among other things, they were worried about illegal commission charges and booking fees.

    Bolt said in a statement that it was committed to following the rules set by regulators. The company said again that its commission structure stayed within the 18% limit and promised to work closely with officials to find a solution that works.

    “We want to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to following the law and making sure that all of our operations are in line with the law.” We’re still committed to working closely with the government to get things done right.

  • Bolt opens Lagos driver engagement hub

    Bolt opens Lagos driver engagement hub

    Bolt, a leading ride-hailing business, opened a Lagos driver engagement hub. The center aims to improve driver-partner experience in its region of operations, the business told the press. 

    Despite having a drivers’ hub in Lagos since 2017, the company said the new hub is crucial given its growing pool of tens of thousands of drivers. The driver engagement hub is expected to help expand this growing network of Lagos-based driver-partners earning through its platform.

    Bolt Nigeria Country Manager Yahaya Mohammed said the firm is committed to helping drivers maximize their experiences and time.

    “We have long invested in our operations to help our driver-partners thrive. Our business depends on drivers, so we want them to succeed and earn more. Since every second counts, we’re always looking for ways to help drivers maximize their road time.

    The Country Manager also said the company wants a more tech-savvy support center. He believes this will strengthen Bolt’s real-time, onsite driver-partner support.

    Read also: Bolt opens Johannesburg driver engagement center

    The Bolt Lagos driver hub

    The new driver hub at 11 Providence Street, Lekki Phase 1, will help Lagos drivers quickly and easily, according to a press release. They can join up to drive or ask app questions there. 

    The corporation believes the driver hub will improve service. These services include better driver assistance, communication, training, community development, issue resolution, driver gratitude, positive branding, and getting new driver-partners on the road in an hour or two.

    The hub will also include a Lost and Found center where Bolt travelers may retrieve their belongings.

    Bolt’s latest driver engagement efforts

    The driver engagement hub is Uber’s newest attempt to win over drivers. The Estonia-based company already operates several engagement activities in Nigeria to strengthen its relationship with the driver ecosystem on the platform.

    The business introduced its €25,000 driver accelerator in September. The accelerator programme, launched in cooperation with Nest Innovation Park, will provide chosen Nigerian drivers a €25,000 seed cash to boost their company ambitions.

    The business announced this year’s Drive for a Price Campaign earlier that month. The fourth-annual driver support programme rewards the e-hailing company’s top drivers with prizes. Mobile phones and new TVs are among these prizes.

    In March, the firm asked drivers to mark their automobiles for weekly pay. While the ride-hailing company’s gesture seems altruistic and well-intended, drivers didn’t like it.

    Bolt rewards drivers with ‘Drive for a Prize’

    Drivers of branded vehicles may be targeted by hoodlums or “agberos’ ‘ and security forces, according to Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, head of the NLC-backed and government-approved Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers Union (AUATWN).

    While Bolt appears to be trying hard to prove that its drivers are at the heart of everything they do, it appears unable to provide them what they want most: a lower commission proportion. Drivers think reducing commissions to 10% would help them.

    Recently, the corporation offered this to drivers, but they had to accept lower economy class rides regardless of their vehicles’ class. Even though the corporation tried to convince drivers this was a terrific way to make money, they didn’t like it.

    Despite these issues, the company said it would keep working on the whole driver experience and give drivers the help they need to keep their businesses going.

  • Bolt sympathises with the families of 3 murdered drivers

    Bolt sympathises with the families of 3 murdered drivers

    The ride-hailing startup Bolt has responded to reports that three of its drivers were killed in Port Harcourt and Abuja by car thieves. The online taxi service said that the team is aware of the tragic situation and is grieved by it.

    While sympathising with the families of the victims, the business praised the police for conducting a prompt investigation that it hopes will ultimately result in justice being served.

    Read also: Nigerian attacks female Bolt driver in Kenya

    Bolt’s Statements 

    “Bolt is aware of this unfortunate incident and is saddened about it. We extend our sympathies to the victims and their families. The safety of both our drivers and riders remains a high priority for us. Bolt also commends the police for their swift action in carrying out the investigation into this unfortunate incident and trusts that justice will be served. We are in contact with the bereaved family, and we will extend our support during this challenging period,” 

    In addition, the corporation stated that it was communicating with all relevant parties and made a commitment to assist with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the authorities.

    In conclusion, the corporation with headquarters in Estonia stated that it will continue to keep the public informed even when it has access to additional information.

    More on the killing of 3 Uber and Bolt drivers

    In Port Harcourt and Abuja, it was alleged that three drivers for the ride-hailing service e-hailing were taken hostage by car thieves and then shot to death. The four victims, three drivers for an e-hailing service and one technician were found shot to death in various parts of the state and at various times.

    According to a letter that was written to the Commissioner of Police and signed by Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, the Secretary of the union, two of the deceased drivers, Emmanuel Daniel and Roland Asuru, as well as a mechanic named John Okon, were all killed by gunfire in the city of Port Harcourt, which is the capital of the state of Rivers. Kelvin Oga, a third driver, was gunned down and killed in Abuja. On the other hand, the occurrence took place on the same day, which was October 10.

    Part of the statement reads:

    “On the 10th of October 2023, in the space of one to three hours, a presumed gang(s) of armed robbers between the hours of 7.30 pm and 10 pm killed three drivers of a Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Golf-3 in an attempt to snatch their cars.

    The three victims, Emmanuel Daniel, Roland Asuru, and a mechanic John Okon, were each brutally murdered in D-Line (which has become lately notorious for car theft and armed robbery incidences), Wopara Street in Old GRA, and Abakiliki by Nanka Street in Diobu, respectively.

    The first victim, Mr Emmanuel Daniel, is one of us and a registered E-hailing driver He has left a widow and his three helpless young children confused and in shock.”

    Kelvin Oga, the fourth driver, was reportedly killed by gunfire in the Galadimawa neighbourhood of Abuja, according to the President of the Union, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran.

    E-hailing drivers call for passengers’ NIN verification following homicides

    Drivers demand NIN registration for passengers

    E-hailing drivers came out in large numbers with banners and placards to stage a protest against Uber and Bolt after the deaths of their fellow drivers. The drivers were upset that neither company was doing enough to protect drivers on its platforms.

    E-hailing drivers in Nigeria are demanding that e-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt utilise the National Identification Number (NIN) to verify the identities of their customers as part of the ongoing protests that they are participating in. This comes after it was claimed that three e-hailing drivers who were registered under the Uber and Bolt platform were shot dead by gunmen in Port Harcourt and Abuja, according to a letter to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police. These drivers were apparently working in both cities.

    Comrade Adedamola Adeniran, President of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria, is the one who issued the appeal. The president is of the opinion that taking such a step will protect his party from any future assaults.

    Bolt said that the safety of its drivers and riders is its top concern and that it has put in place a number of safety features that are constantly being tested and improved. Among these steps are:

    Driver and rider trip-sharing lets both drivers and riders let a third party know about the progress of their live trips so that the third party can follow along in real-time. During the trips, Bolt also keeps an eye on them and tracks them in real-time.

    There is a “SOS” button that can be used to call for help from the police.

    A review score for both riders and drivers that lets them rate each other every trip. We really care about the reviews, and drivers and riders with very low scores are blocked.

    Bolt offers protection that covers injuries or damage to personal belongings that happen on active trips.

    The question of whether these safety steps have been successful in keeping drivers safe on its platform is a different one.

    As a registered trade union with the responsibility to protect our members against preventable circumstances like this, we are making a call on the government to, as a matter of urgency, direct the Ministry of Transport, Science, and Digital Economy or any relevant ministry to direct these app companies to capture National Identity Number of the passenger before ordering a ride,” he said.

  • Bolt opens Johannesburg driver engagement center

    Bolt opens Johannesburg driver engagement center

    Bolt, the biggest on-demand mobility platform in Africa, has opened a driver engagement center to better connect with drivers and address their issues.

    The driver engagement center is in Randburg, Johannesburg, and can only be reached by appointment to ensure that driver problems are handled smoothly and effectively. 

    The launch of the engagement center improves the benefits, such as better support for drivers, better communication methods, training opportunities, community building, problem-solving, driver appreciation, and a positive company image. Visitors can also use the center as a Lost and Found, where they can get back personal things they left in Bolt vehicles while riding.

    Read also: Bolt launches €25,000 Nigerian e-hailing accelerator

    What They’re Saying

    Takura Malaba, Regional Manager for East and Southern Africa, said, “This announcement is part of our earlier promise to invest €500 million in our operations over the next two years to grow and improve the support we give to our services in Africa.”

    We want our drivers to do well and make more money because they are the heart of our business. To show our commitment even more, we are also looking for a Community Specialist in South Africa. This person will be in charge of organizing and carrying out driver engagement programs across all of our channels, working with the local operations teams.

    Bolt rewards drivers with ‘Drive for a Prize’

    Why it’s Important

    The Automobile Association (AA) and Bolt teamed up earlier this year to give cars access to an emergency response service built into the app. When this service is activated, it sends the driver’s information and position to AA’s 24/7 call center. Private security and emergency services are then sent to the scene right away.

    As another benefit, drivers can get free trauma counselling through our service provider, Oaksure, after any stressful event while using the platform. 

    In addition, Bolt offers Trip Protection, an insurance plan that covers emergency medical costs, lasting disability, and death caused by an accident while on abatement. Finally, drivers can get six free consultations a year thanks to a relationship with TeleDoctor. With this agreement, drivers can talk to doctors using a telehealth platform instead of going to the doctor’s office in person.