Hailing service provider Bolt Kenya has introduced a stringent verification process for riders joining the platform.
Rider verification is the latest addition to Bolt’s driver safety features, such as 24/7 safety support, rider management, phone masking, and trip monitoring alerts.
According to Bolt, these features help to build trust between drivers and riders, encourage drivers to accept more orders and enhance the overall efficiency and safety of the Bolt app.
This feature aims to improve driver safety by requiring new users on the platform to upload their identification document (ID) to authenticate their details before using the service.
The validation process takes a couple of minutes, and riders only have to take a selfie the first time they place an order.
Linda Ndungu, Country Manager of Bolt, said: “We are thrilled to introduce rider verification as a trial feature, demonstrating our commitment to setting industry safety standards.”
“Rider verification is the newest feature that enhances driver safety. It is part of our ongoing investment in new products, features, and our dedicated in-house safety team to ensure that we can keep improving the safety ecosystem of the Bolt app.”
The Bolt App has additional features that help ensure the safety of Bolt trips for drivers and riders. These include in-app Safety Toolkit features like trip sharing, allowing real-time location sharing with friends and family.
In addition, the trip monitoring feature allows Bolt to monitor the whole trip after a passenger gets in the car.
If the car stops for too long, Bolt checks on the passengers and drivers through the app.
The Bolt app has 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.
The driver alerts feature gives drivers information about their next trips, especially if they go to unsafe areas.
