How to Avoid Low Ratings as a Bolt Driver

Discover actionable tips for Bolt drivers to maintain high ratings, improve passenger experience, and handle common challenges.

Driver Ratings

Why Your Driver Rating Matters

Your driver rating is visible to passengers and can influence whether they choose to ride with you. A high rating helps passengers feel safe and confident, and Bolt values and rewards good performance.

Passengers see your rating before accepting a ride.
Higher ratings increase trust and ride acceptance.
Bolt encourages and appreciates high scores.
Service Standards

Professionalism and Appearance

Providing a professional service means dressing appropriately, maintaining a clean appearance, and respecting your passengers’ preferences. Help with luggage and assist those with mobility needs to make a positive impression.

Wear clean, appropriate clothing.
Respect passengers’ desire for conversation or quiet.
Offer help with luggage and mobility.
Trip Planning

Choosing the Best Route

Before starting the trip, inform passengers about the best route options and ask for their preferences. This helps avoid misunderstandings and improves your rating.

Share route suggestions before starting the trip.
Ask if passengers have a preferred route.
Explain reasons for alternative routes (traffic, closures).
Fare Adjustments

Handling Price Changes

If the destination changes during the trip, the final price may differ from the original quote. Remind passengers about this to avoid surprises at the end of the ride.

Price updates if the destination changes.
Passengers receive a notification in the app.
Remind passengers about possible fare changes.
Cancellations

Avoiding Cancellation Issues

If you need to cancel after waiting more than 5 minutes, try calling the passenger first. This can prevent misunderstandings, especially for those who may need extra time or assistance.

Call passengers before cancelling.
Understand if they need more time or help.
Protect yourself from disputes by communicating.
Pick-Up Locations

Smooth Pick-Ups

If you can’t reach the exact pick-up spot due to barriers or gates, call the passenger to explain and agree on a nearby meeting point.

Communicate clearly about pick-up challenges.
Suggest alternative meeting points if needed.
Passenger Verification

Confirming the Right Passenger

In busy areas, always confirm the passenger’s name and destination before starting the trip. Use polite requests rather than direct questions.

Ask passengers to confirm their name and destination.
Use phrases like “Please confirm the name on the trip.”
Suggest checking the license plate if there’s confusion.
Bonus Tips

Tips from Top-Rated Drivers

Our top-rated drivers share their best advice for keeping ratings high and passengers happy.

Greet passengers and offer help with luggage.
Check if the temperature and music are comfortable.
Keep your vehicle clean inside and out.
Maintain a neat personal appearance.
Avoid controversial topics like politics or religion.
Respect passengers’ desire for conversation or quiet.
Passenger Interaction

Conversation Starters

If you want to start a conversation, choose light, friendly topics. Listen and follow the passenger’s lead, and avoid sensitive subjects.

The weather or time of day
Is this your first Bolt ride?
Events they’re attending
Work and career questions
Movies, TV series, or theatre
Sports and hobbies
Travel experiences and recommendations
Preferences for airlines, agencies, or travel experiences

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