A selfie for safety: Bolt’s new Rider Verification feature

The availability of some of the features mentioned in this article varies by location.

As part of our commitment to safety, we’re launching a feature requested by Bolt driver partners: Rider Verification, which requires riders to verify their identity by uploading a selfie and an ID document.

Keep reading to learn more about Rider Verification and other safety features available to you in the Bolt app.

About Rider Verification

For safety reasons, we verify all drivers before they start driving on our platform. And similarly, we’ll soon ask riders to confirm their identity.

We’re conducting Rider Verification tests in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Paraguay as we prepare to launch the feature in these markets.

During the tests, we’ll ask some new riders to verify their identity before their first Bolt ride by uploading a clear selfie and a picture of an ID document.

How Rider Verification works

Riders start verification by tapping an in-app banner. They’ll also be sent a reminder once they start ordering their first ride. The app then guides them through the process, which takes a couple of minutes at most.

Riders won’t be able to order rides until verification is finished, so we suggest completing it as soon as possible. 

We’ll also soon ask existing customers in select markets to upload a selfie for identification to ensure safety for all on the Bolt platform. 

Why Rider Verification?

Rider Verification is the number one safety feature requested by driver partners, and we want everyone on the platform to feel safe and fairly treated.

It will help improve driver-rider trust and thus encourage drivers to accept more orders. In turn, this means faster arrival times for riders.

Our initial tests have shown a decrease in safety cases reported by drivers for trips with verified riders.

Our ongoing safety commitment

We know from our 150M+ customers and network of 3.5 million fleet, driver, and courier partners that safety is critical to a high-quality ride-hailing experience. Just one bad experience can stop a driver or rider from using Bolt. 

That’s why we’re constantly developing new, innovative safety features. 

Our in-house Safety team is responsible for identifying anything unusual before a trip starts, monitoring ongoing trips, and supporting rare safety cases after a trip.

We aim to ensure drivers and riders are aware of the products and features we release and regularly educate them on safety. 

Rider Verification adds another layer of safety to an already existing suite of rider and driver features like:

• 24/7 Support: we have 24/7 driver and customer support and take feedback seriously. We block riders and drivers who repeatedly violate our Terms of Service.

• Ride Check: if a ride-hailing car remains still for too long, we contact the rider and driver in-app to confirm everything’s okay. 

• Private contact numbers: when a driver or rider makes a call via our app, the caller’s phone number remains hidden.

During a Bolt trip, riders and drivers can access safety features with just a tap via the in-app Safety Toolkit.

The Safety Toolkit contains:

• Share Location: riders and drivers can share ride details, including the car’s make, model, registration number, and live location, via a shareable link.

• Emergency Assist: riders and drivers can quickly and discreetly alert an emergency response team with our in-app Emergency Assist button. It also notifies our Safety team, who will make an immediate welfare call. 

• Record Audio: this lets drivers and riders record audio via the app if they feel uncomfortable, discouraging inappropriate behaviour, enhancing safety, and assisting us and the local authorities in resolving potential disputes.

For the most accurate list of safety features available in your country, please check your local rider safety page or driver safety page.

Safer journeys with Bolt

Download the Bolt app to get around safely and conveniently, or sign up to become a driver.