Bolt, a ride-hailing company, recently hosted its inaugural Driver-Led Safety Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme “Partnering for Protection to Build a Safer Community and Safer Roads for All.”
The event attracted over 200 driver partners and notable government representatives, including Isaac Sileku, Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo from the Western Cape Provincial Parliament Standing Committee on Mobility, Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Police, Alderman JP Smith, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, and members of the Western Cape E-hailing Association. The summit aimed to address the critical issue of safety in the ride-hailing industry.
Discussions at the summit emphasized the necessity of coordination among regulators, platform operators, and drivers to create a safer environment for both passengers and drivers. Key topics included the implementation of safety measures to protect all users, the role of technology in advancing safety, and the significant contributions of drivers in shaping safety policies.
Isaac Sileku, Western Cape Minister of Mobility, remarked;
Safety is not just a feature; it is the foundation of trust and a shared responsibility between users of e-hailing platforms. This summit exemplifies Bolt’s commitment to collaborative action, setting a standard for the broader mobility sector. The insights gained here will influence our ongoing regulatory efforts to ensure a balanced approach to driver protection, passenger accountability, and platform responsibility.
Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s Head of Public Policy Africa, stated;
At Bolt, safety is at the core of our mission. This summit is a reflection of our dedication to working hand-in-hand with drivers, government, and stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that enhance the safety and security of our community.
The summit featured interactive panel discussions and showcased Bolt’s advanced safety features, including in-app SOS buttons, audio trip recording, 24/7 support, and a verification feature.
