NAIROBI, Kenya- In an effort to prioritize user safety, ride-hailing giant Bolt has issued a stern reminder to both drivers and riders in Kenya: keep all trips within the Bolt app.
The company stresses that offline arrangements bypass crucial in-app safety features, putting both passengers and drivers at significant risk.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Hazel May Omune, Safety Manager for Bolt Africa. “Offline trips undermine the measures we’ve put in place, including ride tracking, emergency response, and location sharing.”
Omune urged users to adhere to the platform’s guidelines, emphasizing that Bolt’s app provides a layer of protection unmatched by informal arrangements.
Offline trips, which are typically arranged outside the Bolt platform, bypass the company’s safety infrastructure. These rides often lack essential safeguards like real-time tracking, identity verification, and access to Bolt’s emergency support systems.
According to Bolt, its app is equipped with several safety tools designed to protect users:
- Real-Time Location Sharing: Both riders and drivers can share their location, trip details, and vehicle information with loved ones using a secure link.
- Emergency Assist: A discreet in-app button alerts emergency response teams, along with Bolt’s safety team, which immediately follows up with a welfare check.
- Ride Monitoring: Bolt’s Ride Check feature proactively tracks trips, flagging any unusual activity for timely intervention.
“By sticking to the app, users can rely on these tools for a safer, more secure journey,” Omune reiterated.
Beyond the app’s built-in features, Bolt continues to invest in public awareness campaigns and innovative technology to enhance safety.
The company’s 24/7 support team ensures that passengers and drivers receive assistance during and after rides. Additionally, suspicious activities can be reported directly through the app for swift action.
Bolt remains steadfast in its mission to create a reliable, seamless, and secure mobility experience for all. This commitment extends to addressing safety concerns across Kenya’s ride-hailing sector and educating users on the importance of staying within the app.
“We’ll keep refining our safety features and raising awareness to ensure every trip is as safe as possible,” said Omune.
As Kenya’s ride-hailing market grows, adhering to Bolt’s guidelines not only guarantees safety but also fosters trust between riders and drivers.
