Bolt has introduced three ride options for Kenyans, allowing customers to choose between faster pick-ups, lower fares, and hourly bookings for multi-stop journeys.
In an announcement on October 29, the categories include Priority, Wait and Save, and Ride by Hour, designed to give riders more flexibility in balancing travel time, cost, and convenience, while creating additional opportunities for drivers to receive ride requests and earn through the platform.
Senior General Manager for Rides in East Africa Dimmy Kanyankole said the categories meet different travel needs, give drivers more opportunities to access trips, and reduce idle time.
“These categories give customers more control over how they travel, whether they want a faster pick-up, a lower fare by waiting for demand to ease, or the flexibility of having a car for multiple stops.
We’re responding to the different needs of riders while creating more opportunities for drivers to access trips, reduce idle time and earn on the platform. Ultimately, it’s about giving people more choice in how they get around, without compromising on the convenience they expect from ride-hailing,” he said.
Bolt Adds Priority, Wait and Save and Ride by Hour Options
The service targets customers making multiple stops for errands, shopping, business visits and other journeys within the city.
It lets riders use the booked period to visit multiple destinations without arranging separate rides for each stop.
In addition, the options are intended to expand customer choice while helping drivers improve their earning opportunities.
Priority targets customers who need a faster pick-up and are willing to pay a premium to reduce waiting time. The option suits time-sensitive trips, including journeys to meetings, flights, and important appointments.
For drivers, Priority provides access to higher-value trips, potentially reducing idle time between rides and improving earnings. It supplements standard ride options, with drivers retaining the freedom to accept or decline requests.
Other Options For Kenyans
Meanwhile, Wait and Save offers lower fares to customers who can afford to wait longer for a ride, particularly during peak periods when demand is high.
The option targets cost-conscious riders who do not need to reach their destinations immediately.
Bolt said the category could also attract customers who might otherwise postpone or abandon trips when fares rise, generating additional ride requests and creating more opportunities for drivers to complete trips.
It connects customers willing to wait with available drivers as demand shifts.
Ride by Hour allows customers to book a car for one or two hours at a fixed hourly rate, with charges based on time rather than distance travelled.
The option is designed for errands, shopping, business visits and other journeys involving multiple stops or extended waiting periods within the city.
Customers can use the booked time to visit several destinations without arranging separate rides for each stop, with no additional per-stop charges during the booking period.
For drivers, the time-based arrangement offers more predictable earnings for the duration of the booking while addressing uncertainties associated with long waits and multi-stop trips.
Bolt said the model could also reduce disagreements between riders and drivers over waiting times and additional stops.
Under the new categories, drivers retain the freedom to accept or decline Priority requests, while hourly bookings provide more predictable earnings for the duration of a reservation.
Customers can access the available categories through the Bolt app and select the option that best suits their journey.
Customers can access the three ride categories through the Bolt app and choose the option that best suits their budget and travel plans.
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