South African Bolt riders now required to upload selfies for driver verification
Ride-hailing platform Bolt has launched a new safety feature in South Africa that requires passengers to take a real-time selfie
Image: File
Ride-hailing platform Bolt has launched a new safety feature in South Africa that requires passengers to take a real-time selfie for their rider profile.
The move comes as violence and security threats against e-hailing drivers continue to escalate in parts of the country. The government has also introduced new e-hailing regulations aimed at curbing violence in the sector.
Some of the new regulations include the requirement for e-hailing drivers to obtain official operating licenses, mandatory branding of vehicles, and compulsory installation of panic buttons in vehicles to enhance safety for both drivers and passengers.
According to the company, the Rider Profile Photo is designed to improve safety by helping drivers identify passengers more easily at pickup points, reduce the risk of rider impersonation, and build greater trust between drivers and riders.
"The feature is designed to take a photo on the spot, meaning that adding photos from the phone gallery won’t be allowed," the company said.
"This is an extra safety precaution we’re taking to avoid fraud and rider impersonation. Riders will be able to add their profile photo by selecting the menu in their Bolt app, tapping View Profile, and using the Edit button on their photo to add one."
Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, said South Africa’s ride-hailing industry operates in a unique environment where safety is always top of mind.
"Drivers will now more easily identify their passengers at pickup points, reducing uncertainty and helping to prevent misidentification, fraud, or unsafe interactions," Kalajdzic said.
"The feature is intended solely as a safety tool. It benefits all drivers by providing an extra layer of reassurance before each trip, supporting better acceptance rates and overall driver engagement".
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