Bolt announced that it has completed over 400 million trips in South Africa since its launch in 2016, establishing one of the continent’s largest user bases. The company shared this milestone while highlighting a notable increase in activity on its platform nationwide.
Senior Operations Manager Simo Kalajdzic noted that Bolt serves approximately 1.4 million passengers each month, supported by over 40,000 active drivers. The platform operates across all nine provinces and in 23 cities, highlighting the significant expansion it has achieved since entering the market.
The figures were released as Bolt adjusted to new e-hailing regulations implemented by the National Department of Transport. These regulations include platform licensing fees, driver licensing requirements, and the addition of physical panic buttons in e-hailing vehicles.
Adjusting to new sector rules
The company must pay a R5,000 licensing fee every seven years to operate its platform legally. Drivers also need to pay around R1,000 each for their own operating licenses. Bolt is seeking ways to reduce drivers’ costs and plans to assist them by offering free vehicle branding to those who choose to participate.
The new rules require e-hailing vehicles to be easily recognisable, but they don’t have to display the company’s name. Drivers can use their own branding, as long as the vehicles meet the new identification guidelines.
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Another part of the regulation requires all vehicles to have physical panic buttons installed. Bolt is working with a private armed response company to figure out how to add this feature to thousands of vehicles. The goal of the panic button is to improve safety for both riders and drivers as part of the broader regulatory changes.
Effect on drivers, compliance pressure, and the broader market
Bolt also announced that it is conducting workshops with the Department of Transport to help drivers navigate the new processes and receive support during the transition. The company emphasised that many drivers are still adapting to these changes, particularly regarding licensing costs and the new branding requirements.
The push for compliance in the e-hailing industry is driven by increasing pressure to enhance safety measures and improve driver identification. Bolt believes that implementing clearer vehicle markings and introducing panic buttons will significantly contribute to this shift as the rollout continues.
With over 400 million completed trips and millions of monthly users, Bolt’s next phase in South Africa will depend on how quickly drivers adapt to the new regulations and how quickly the company meets the compliance deadlines across all its operational cities.
