South Africans Still Choose Bolt's Cheapest Rides, but Comfort Is Catching On

A new data released by Bolt revealed that South Africans continue to prioritize affordability when booking the ride- hailing services with more than 90% of the trips on bolt taking place through its lowest- cost ride categories.

The findings, based on trip data from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, highlighted how rising living costs continue to shape consumer spending, even as a growing number of riders show a willingness to pay slightly more for added comfort.

Bolt said its Standard and Wait & Save options account for over nine in every 10 trips across South Africa’s three largest metropolitan areas, underscoring the importance of affordable transport in the country’s urban mobility landscape.

According to Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, the data reflects changing consumer expectations rather than a move towards luxury transport.

“South Africans remain incredibly value-conscious, and that’s reflected in the fact that more than 90% of trips are still taken in our most affordable categories. What we’re seeing, however, is that affordability doesn’t necessarily mean people are unwilling to pay for a better experience. If the price difference is small enough, riders are increasingly choosing Comfort because it offers newer vehicles, additional space and an improved overall ride experience without stretching their budgets.” Said Kalajdzic.

At the same time, the company’s Comfort category is gaining momentum. Since Bolt expanded the number of drivers eligible to offer Comfort rides in April 2026, demand has increased by between three and five times. The category now makes up around 6% to 7% of all trips in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, with Durban recording the highest adoption rate at 6.9%.

However, the shift suggests that while price remains the primary consideration for most commuters, many are willing to spend a little extra when the additional cost offers a noticeably better travel experience. In Johannesburg, for example, a Comfort trip costs an average of R63 compared with R54 for a Standard ride; a price difference of about 16%.

Kalajdzic attributed the growth in Comfort rides to Bolt’s decision to increase driver availability in the category, making the service easier to access while reducing waiting times.

“This is not about consumers moving towards luxury, it’s about accessible quality. The rapid growth we have seen in Comfort demonstrates that when you improve availability and keep pricing within reach, people respond. It reinforces our belief that mobility should offer both affordability and choice.” He added.

Furthermore, the data also reflects broader spending patterns in South Africa, where consumers are increasingly seeking products and services that offer better value rather than premium pricing.

For Bolt, the latest figures indicate that while affordability remains the biggest driver of ride-hailing demand, customers are increasingly balancing cost with quality, provided the price increase remains within reach.

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