Estonian e-cab firm Bolt has introduced a new feature that requires drivers to take a selfie before they can go online. According to the ride-hailing company, the feature will help prevent driver impersonation and account sharing. The selfie is compared to the driver’s profile photo to verify their identity. This new safety feature is part of Bolt’s commitment to providing a safe and secure ride for its users.
The Bolt app has several safety measures, such as driver and car verification, where riders can confirm the identity of the driver and the car that picks them up.
Drivers can share the status of their live trips with a third party for added safety, and Bolt tracks trips in real-time.
Riders can share their trip details with emergency contacts using the Share ETA feature.
In case of danger, an SOS emergency button can be used to call for security or medical assistance.
Also, drivers and riders can rate each other after every trip, and Bolt takes these ratings seriously to address any incidents or unacceptable behaviour.
“The safety of riders and drivers on our platform remains of utmost priority. This is why Bolt continues to innovate and provide superior safety features. Our mission revolves around offering affordable, quality, and safe services, and through this new driver selfie check feature, we aim to offer a safe rider mobility experience to all users on our platform. The new feature will discourage driver impersonation and continue to strengthen our mobility service by enhancing the safety of riders.” said Linda Ndungu, Bolt Country Manager.
Bolt also offers a women-only category that enables female passengers to request rides from female drivers, improving safety and mobility options.
Bolt is one of the few taxi apps that have a wide reach in the Kenyan market. The firm, which has since invested over KES 67 billion in the African market, serves more than 17 towns and cities in the country. Its food-delivery service, Bolt Food, has since expanded beyond Nairobi to Mombasa.
The said investment
The funds aim to see Bolt expand its offerings in Africa and create employment opportunities for more than 300,000 new drivers and couriers to join the platform by 2023.
