Bolt plans to implement a new feature that requires drivers in South Africa to submit a selfie for verification.
Bolt hopes to reduce the number of instances in which drivers are impersonated. The new function, which will also contribute to an increase in traveller security, is currently being put into action by Bolt operating drivers across South Africa. The ride-hailing sector is confronted with a huge challenge in the form of driver impersonation.
Before drivers are allowed to go online, they will be required to take a selfie of themselves to prove their identification. This selfie will then be compared to a database maintained by the government (the Department of Home Affairs), which will determine whether or not the driver is genuine. In addition to this, they will be expected to occasionally upload a live selfie in order to verify that the correct driver is in control of the vehicle.
It has been brought to my attention by Takura Malaba, Regional Manager for East and Southern Africa, how serious the problem of driver impersonation is throughout this industry. Bolt has also developed a mechanism that makes it impossible for drivers to use the app again if they rent out their profile, which is deemed fraudulent activity.
Prior to placing an order for a ride, passengers who want to go to an area that has been previously categorised as a high-incidence hotspot are required to snap a selfie of themselves. This is done in order to further strengthen the confidence between the driver and rider and to cement Bolt’s safety procedures.
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Impact on Bolt in South Africa
Bolt has stated that they have surpassed one billion rides in Africa over their seven years of existence. They also anticipate that the number of drivers using their platform will climb to one million during the next six months. In addition, Bolt intends to make an investment of €500 million in its business within the next two years in order to realise its goals for expanding its services across Africa.
This new feature demonstrates Bolt’s dedication to guaranteeing the safety of its passengers, and it is an admirable initiative to strengthen confidence and safety in their platform. Their investment also sheds insight on Bolt’s devotion to the people and the continent of Africa. When customers use the Bolt app, they can rest assured that both their safety and convenience will improve as the company continues to grow its service offerings and develop new features.
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Some requirements to be a Bolt driver in South Africa
It is required to have a check of your criminal history, and you have to do it again once a year has passed. Bolt is unable to accept any criminal record checks that are older than thirty days.
In order for the findings of the report to be approved, it must say that the subject has “No previous convictions.”
It is necessary to have a current and legal South African Professional Driving Permit with goods and passengers (G,P).
Shuttle examination, since all cars in South Africa are required to do so. Bring your Personal Registration Document (PRDP) or another form of identification with you when you go in for the inspection, in addition to the licence disc and operator card for the motor vehicle. Each time a year has passed, a new physical inspection ought to be performed. You will be required to carry out a safety check on the vehicle that you are currently utilising at the time.
Passenger Liability Insurance is made easier for drivers to obtain through Bolt, ensuring that any and all passengers are adequately protected in the event of an accident.
After your account has been activated, you will immediately be registered for the protection that is provided. On the other hand, if you want to protect yourself financially in the event that something bad happens to your vehicle, it is strongly recommended that you purchase an insurance policy that covers it in its entirety.
If you can keep to the requirements, then you can be a bolt driver.