With the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to protect both our drivers and passengers, our community guidelines have been developed to ensure that everyone using the Bolt platform has a safe and positive experience.
These guidelines help administer the interactions between passengers and drivers as we join forces to combat the pandemic and are based on directives from our federal and state governments. Please take a moment to read them:
- Use of face masks: The use of face masks are now mandatory for both drivers and passengers. Face masks must cover the nose and mouth and must be worn before entering the vehicle. Read this article by the Centre for Disease Control to learn best practices for face mask use and how to make one yourself using materials you have at home.
- Obeying the curfew directives: A federal curfew is in place within the hours of 12 midnight and 4 a.m. In view of these directives, rides will only be available between 4am and midnight everyday.
- Social distancing on each ride: Maintaining appropriate social distance on every trip is critical to minimising contact. Drivers are permitted to pick up a maximum of two passengers on each ride. Similarly, passengers must use the back seat– ensuring there is sufficient space between all parties.
- Keeping the vehicle ventilated and air conditioning turned off: Our weather is usually humid and we understand that air conditioning helps create a more comfortable environment. However, keeping windows down will limit the airflow in the car cabin between the driver and riders — reducing the risk of infection and is a small price to pay for your health and safety.
- Approved payment methods: With the risk of germs living on banknotes, we advise passengers to switch to an in-app payment method (debit/credit card) to reduce the amount of contact when paying. Important to note that bank transfers are not an approved payment method and should be avoided to prevent possible disputes and unwanted contact that could arise from failed bank transfers.
- Help keep one another safe: The coronavirus pandemic has taught us to look after one another. Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after each ride and avoid touching surfaces in cars if you can help it. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Drivers should ventilate and clean their vehicles regularly. See our blog post on how to thoroughly clean your car using household disinfectants.
Remember to stay home if you feel sick and remember that you can contact the NCDC’s toll-free hotline by dialling 0800 9700 0010.
- Discrimination: Discrimination or the refusal to provide services to a person on the basis of age, race or any other characteristic is not tolerated under our community guidelines. This said, drivers and passengers alike have the right to politely refuse to proceed on a trip should they suspect that either party has a respiratory illness.
We’re committed to ensuring your safety during these times and we expect everyone to do their part in keeping themselves and others safe.
Stay Safe!
