Bolt adds pay-more, wait-less ride options in Kenya
Ride-hailing firm Bolt has rolled out three ride categories in Kenya. Customers can pay extra for a faster pick-up, wait longer for a cheaper fare, or hire a car by the hour.
The Priority category lets riders pay a premium to be matched with a driver faster, aimed at people heading to meetings, flights or other time-sensitive appointments.
Wait and Save offers lower fares to customers willing to wait for demand to ease, targeting cost-conscious riders during peak hours.
Ride by Hour lets customers book a car for one or two hours at a fixed hourly rate, priced on time rather than distance. It is aimed at errands, shopping and business visits with several stops, and carries no extra charge per stop during the booking.
“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,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, Bolt’s senior General Manager for rides in East Africa.
“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.”
Bolt says the options will also help drivers. Priority gives them access to higher-value trips, while Wait and Save brings in riders who might otherwise skip a trip when fares are high.
The hourly model gives drivers more predictable earnings and could reduce disputes with riders over waiting time and extra stops.
Drivers remain free to choose which trips they accept, the company said. Priority is offered alongside, not instead of, standard rides.
The new categories come as Bolt and rivals compete for riders in a price-sensitive market. Drivers have repeatedly protested over low fares and high platform commissions.
The rollout follows Bolt’s launch of Bolt Plus, a subscription offering ride cashback and free food delivery, earlier this month.
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