In a bid to prioritize the safety and security of its riders, Bolt has unveiled a new cancellation option on its application, aimed at deterring users from engaging in offline trips and making payments outside the app.
The recent move by Bolt comes as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of its users while using the platform for transportation services.
Announcing the development, Bolt disclosed that riders will now have the ability to cancel trips under specific circumstances by selecting the option labeled 'driver asked to pay off-the-app' within the application.
According to Mr. Munira Ruhwanya, the Operations Manager at Bolt, this new feature empowers riders to swiftly respond to situations where drivers request payment for trips conducted outside the app's framework, demand payments exceeding the agreed-upon fare, or encourage trip cancellations to transition offline.
Highlighting the rationale behind the initiative, Mr. Ruhwanya emphasized Bolt's stance against the practice of drivers and passengers engaging in offline transactions or arranging rides independently outside the app. Such practices, he noted, compromise the safety and reliability standards that Bolt is committed to upholding within its community.
He further underscored the importance of adhering to in-app transactions, as they enable critical safety features such as GPS tracking and in-app SOS assistance, which are essential for ensuring the security of both riders and drivers.
In line with its commitment to safety, Bolt encourages both passengers and drivers to utilize the safety features integrated into the app's Safety Toolkit, designed specifically to operate during active in-app trips.
Bolt reassures its users of its dedication to providing a secure and dependable ride-hailing experience for all. The introduction of the new cancellation reason option underscores this commitment by furnishing riders with a robust tool to prioritize their safety while utilizing the platform.
The implementation of this new feature underscores Bolt's proactive approach to address safety concerns and reinforces its position as a responsible player in the ride-hailing industry.