Bolt has unveiled a new safety feature, "Trusted Contacts," aimed at further strengthening the security of its passengers and drivers. The feature allows users to add the names and phone numbers of trusted friends or family members to their Bolt account. In case of an emergency or safety concern, Bolt's Safety Team can reach out to these contacts if they are unable to get in touch with the account holder.

This initiative is part of Bolt's ongoing commitment to enhancing safety features on its platform, backed by a KES 14 billion investment over three years. The Trusted Contacts feature builds on existing safety tools, such as the Ride Check, which monitors trips for unusual activity, and Emergency Assist, allowing users to discreetly alert emergency services.

Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager of Bolt Kenya and Tanzania, emphasized the importance of this new feature, stating, "With Trusted Contacts, we aim to build on our existing efforts by ensuring we can quickly escalate safety notifications to a family member or friend if we can't reach the account holder themselves. This is a crucial part of our investment in safety and ensuring a high-quality ride experience for both drivers and passengers."

Bolt’s safety enhancements are designed to offer users peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are included in key safety moments during their ride. This latest addition underscores Bolt’s ongoing effort to improve the overall safety ecosystem on its platform.

Bolt operates in over 50 countries and 600 cities, providing services such as ride-hailing, scooter and e-bike rentals, and car rental to more than 200 million customers globally. With over 4.5 million drivers using the platform, Bolt is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation alternatives worldwide.

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January 29, 2025