Bolt New Feature Gives Pricing Freedom To Drivers and Customers

Mobility Company Bolt has introduced a new feature that allows drivers to set their own prices and passengers to pick their preferred driver.

According to Bolt, the move is designed to make its platform attractive to drivers by giving them control of prices.

Bolt’s Regional Manager for East Africa Kenneth Micah said drivers have consistently requested the Company to allow them to set their own prices so they can ensure a journey is profitable enough before it’s accepted.

Therefore, the new feature will enable drivers to set their own prices within a range of price per Kilometer to reflect their own preferences and local market conditions.  Alternatively, they have the option of using the Company’s dynamic standard pricing.

Likewise, passengers now have a new feature that enables them to select their preferred driver based on factors such as their costs, rating and the estimated time of arrival. They will also have access to more details of their drivers including their name, photo, car details to guide them in decision making.

“While driver needs are met, it was just as critically important to ensure riders enjoy the same liberty by selecting a driver of their choice for their trip,” Micah said.

Micah noted that Nairobi will be the first city to test the new features for the African market.

“The company has grown rapidly in Kenya due to its competitive commission model which results in high earnings for drivers and lower prices for passengers,” he said.

Kenya was also the first African market where the mobility company launched its green plan by introducing electric tuk-tuks and e-bicycles in the food category in June this year. In March, it introduced hybrid and electric cars to provide its customers with greener transport options.

In October, it launched a women-only service that enables women passengers to request rides from women drivers only following the rising cases of harassment and gender-based violence on public transportation