On-demand mobility company Bolt has unveiled new trip safety monitoring features for riders and drivers.
Bolt will now have the ability to automatically engage with riders and drivers in-app when a vehicle remains still for too long to confirm everything is alright.
The feature will provide drivers and riders with the option to directly call emergency services, share the trip, record the audio, or request Bolt assistance with one touch via the in-app notification.
Bolt Kenya Country Manager Linda Ndungu said,
“Our most recent enhancement involves the introduction of new Trip Safety Monitoring features, a significant step forward in our continuous journey towards facilitating seamless support for drivers and riders during a Bolt trip. This update is designed to empower users to easily identify and report any unusual occurrences, ultimately deterring undesirable outcomes in the course of the trip.”
She added that,
“At Bolt, safety remains a core priority. We consistently dedicate resources to introduce innovative products and features aimed at enhancing the safety framework of the Bolt app. This ensures that both drivers and riders enjoy a superior ride-hailing experience.”
The mobility company plans to roll out more trip safety monitoring features, including route deviation and delayed ride completion. This is aimed at upgrading safety features on the app to help identify and deter improper driver and rider behaviour.
The rollout of Bolt’s new trip safety monitoring features is part of a longer-term upgrade of stationary vehicle monitoring to identify anything out of the ordinary once a trip starts.
Bolt safety features
The Bolt App already has features that help ensure the safety of Bolt trips for drivers and riders. They include in-app Safety Toolkit features like trip sharing that allows for real-time location sharing with friends and family.
Within the app, there is also an emergency assist button to help riders quickly and discreetly alert emergency services or private security partners if they ever feel uncomfortable during a ride.
Recently, Bolt launched the driver selfie check feature which provides enhanced safety for users on the Bolt platform as it allows the verification of the drivers to avoid cases of impersonation and also deter drivers from sharing their accounts.
Once a driver goes online, they are prompted to take a selfie to verify their identity. Should the selfie not match previously shared driver details, the driver will be restricted from offering their services on the platform until their details are verified.
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