Ride-hailing company, Bolt, has rolled out its latest safety feature, rider verification, which is aimed at increasing the safety of its drivers in Ghana.
The new in-app feature requires riders to submit a selfie before requesting a trip via Bolt. The selfie must depict a physically present individual with a clearly visible face for validation. If the selfie fails to meet these criteria, the rider will be unable to proceed with their order. The verification process typically takes only a few seconds to a couple of minutes, with riders required to complete it only once during their initial booking.
Rider verification joins an array of existing safety features within the Bolt platform, further fortifying its safety framework. These include 24/7 safety support, rider management tools for addressing inappropriate behaviour, phone masking to safeguard drivers’ phone numbers during communication with riders, and trip monitoring alerts. The latter promptly notifies Bolt’s safety team if a driver’s vehicle remains stationary for an extended period, ensuring prompt action in case of any safety concerns.
Acting Country Manager for Bolt in Ghana, Henry Whyte, has expressed enthusiasm about the introduction of rider verification, currently undergoing trial phases. He noted that the feature signifies Bolt’s commitment to setting industry safety standards. Whyte highlighted rider verification as the latest addition to Bolt’s ongoing investment in innovative products, features, and a dedicated in-house safety team, all aimed at continuously enhancing the safety ecosystem within the Bolt app.
With the introduction of rider verification and a comprehensive suite of safety features, Bolt stands as one of the organisations ensuring safety and trust within the on-demand mobility sector.
