Bolt drivers to set own prices under new feature

NAIROBI, Kenya Dec 14-Ride hailing platform, Bolt, has introduced a new market innovation that will allow its drivers to set their own prices and passengers to select their preferred driver.

Drivers have consistently requested more flexibility in pricing, with many currently choosing to accept and then reject trips upon the availability of a more profitable journey leading to a poor rider experience.

Under the new features which will be piloted in Nairobi as the first market in Africa, drivers will be able to set their own prices within a range of price per Km to reflect their own preferences and local market conditions.

Alternatively, the app will allow them to use Bolt’s dynamic standard pricing.

The moves are expected to lead to a better functioning marketplace.

Similarly, in an effort to assure riders of a greater trip experience, passengers can now manually select a preferred driver based on a number of factors such as price fare, expected time of arrival, and driver rating.

In addition to these factors, riders can also see additional information such as Driver Photo, Driver Name and Car Details to aid their decision making ahead of a trip.

Kenneth Micah, Bolt’s Regional Manager for East Africa said the changes are part of that philosophy and will create a better functioning marketplace.

“While driver needs are met, it was just as critically important to ensure riders enjoy the same liberty by selecting a driver of their choice for their trip. This is another way we are ensuring riders know that the drivers with impeccable ratings are available for their trip,” said Micah.