Bolt now allows riders to cancel offline trips for enhanced safety

Bolt, the leading on-demand mobility platform in Africa, has
introduced a new cancellation option in its app, aimed at deterring users on its platform from
taking offline trips and paying off the app, so as to further enhance the safety and well-being of
riders.
Riders will now be able to cancel a trip by selecting the option ‘driver asked to pay off-the-
app’ under specific circumstances. This feature empowers riders to take immediate action
should they encounter situations where the driver asks for payment for a trip outside the app,
requests payment exceeding the agreed-upon trip fare, or encourages cancellation of the trip to
go offline.
Yahaya Mohammed, Country Manager for Bolt Nigeria said: “We’re happy to introduce our
latest cancellation option, designed to cut down on offline trips and address instances where
drivers insist on charging rates exceeding those on the app. At Bolt, we strongly discourage
both drivers and riders from using the platform to exchange contact details or negotiate for
offline trips. This goes against the safety and reliability we aim to uphold for our users. When
drivers and riders go offline, essential safety features like GPS tracking and SOS coverage in the
app become inactive, leaving users vulnerable and without access to critical in-app safety tools.
Remaining online ensures the effectiveness of these features and prioritizes the safety of our
users. Mitigating actions are also in place for drivers continuously reported as soliciting offline
trips. These actions include temporary bans and account suspensions, as we remain dedicated
to providing a secure platform for everyone.”
To ensure safety for both drivers and passengers, Bolt encourages both passengers and drivers
to take advantage of the safety features provided in the app’s Safety Toolkit. These features are
specifically designed to operate during active (in-app) trips.
Bolt is committed to providing a secure and reliable ride-hailing experience for all users. The
introduction of the new cancellation reason option reinforces this commitment, offering riders a
powerful tool to prioritize their safety and well-being.

Published on www.brandfit.com.ng