Bolt plans to conduct driver engagement sessions throughout South Africa

Bolt South Africa has initiated a series of driver engagement sessions to directly support drivers and address issues related to their application that may limit their earning potential. As per the announcement, these sessions will be conducted throughout the local cities where the e-hailing service operates.

Bolt acknowledges the necessity of creating a supportive and favourable environment for its driver-partners. It is devoted to actively interacting with them to comprehend their requirements and hurdles. These engagement sessions act as a platform where drivers can express their worries, receive customized assistance, and access beneficial online resources to improve their experience with the platform.

This initiative comes in the wake of the opening of a walk-in driver engagement centre by Bolt in Randburg, Johannesburg, in October. The intention was to improve its relationship with drivers and to address their inquiries and concerns more effectively.

Previously, most communications between Bolt and its drivers occurred within the app or via a call center. However, the company is excited to launch these new engagement sessions as a sign of their continued commitment to supporting their driver-partners, states Sandra Suzanne Buyole, PR Manager for Africa at Bolt.

Bolt believes in the importance of hearing from its drivers and equipping them with the necessary tools and resources they need to succeed. As such, these sessions demonstrate the firm’s devotion to improving the driver experience and ensuring its platform remains a top choice for drivers seeking flexible income opportunities.

Bolt serves over 100 million customers in 45 countries worldwide and more than 500 cities across Europe and Africa. It has over 45,000 users in South Africa alone.

Over the years, South African e-hailing drivers and operators have staged protests demanding improved working conditions, safety measures, and wages in the industry. They also decried the lack of efficient communication channels between themselves, e-hailing companies, and the transport department.

During these new sessions, Bolt plans to offer various key program initiatives including app-related training and support, free criminal record checks, complimentary doctor services for obtaining professional driving permit (PDP) medical certificates, free car inspections by Dekra Automotive, and a professional driving permit booking service.

“As part of its promise to enhance driver welfare, Bolt will provide a free doctor service to aid drivers in getting their PDP medical certificates, thereby ensuring that they meet regulatory standards.

These initiatives confirm Bolt’s commitment to bolstering its driver-partners and nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship. By addressing drivers’ needs and providing practical solutions, Bolt aspires to empower its driver community to flourish and succeed on the platform,” according to the statement by Bolt South Africa.