Image source: Bolt.eu |
Bolt has launched it "Rider Verification" feature in some major African's market, including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The Bolt Rider Verification is a feature on the Bolt app that invite riders to verify their identity by uploading a selfie and a national identification document (ID Card) of themselves. This security and safety feature is a popular demand by Bolt driver partners, and since the rider verification has been launched, tests by the ride-hailing company have shown a decrease in safety cases reported by drivers for trips with verified riders.
How it works
Like any other ride-hailing service, Bolt also understand that "safety is critical to a high-quality ride-hailing experience." The company further emphasized that "just one bad experience can stop a driver or rider from using" a particular ride-hailing service.
Before the Rider Verification was introduced, many Bolt drivers have reported several safety cases. However, several tests by Bolt have shown a reduce in safety cases being reported by drivers for rides with verified and approved riders.
The "Bolt's Rider Verification Feature" actually works as a safety measure that helps improve driver-rider trust and also encourage drivers to accept more orders from verified riders. Bolt verifies all it drivers upon registration, and this has also extended to riders. To use the Bolt app as a rider, you also need to verify your identity by uploading a selfie image and a National ID Card picture.
In other words, once a rider create a Bolt account, before he/she would be allowed to place an order, he/she will be required to verify his/her identity in the Bolt app. However, make sure that the selfie image you'll upload clearly show your face - otherwise, your Rider Verification will not be approved.
Bolt is launching this feature as part of it ongoing commitment and investment in safety and security features on its taxi app. According to the company on its website, "Rider Verification is one safety feature launched as part of our long-term commitment to driver safety."
How to verify your identity on Bolt app
To upload a Selfie and a Nation ID document of your self for Rider Verification on the Bolt-Taxi app, follow these steps:
- Login to your Bolt app
- Click on the "Rider Verification's In-app Banner" located at the top of your dashboard.
- Relatively, when you choose to other a rider for the first time, you'll be prompt to verify your identity.
- On the next page, take a clear Selfie of yourself and confirm it's clearly taken before upload.
- Capture your National ID card or upload the document directly from your phone.
- Review your document and information, once they're tally with one another, then click on "Verify".
Bolt said it takes few seconds to verify a rider’s identity. Meanwhile, it can actually take up-to two business days especially when you try to verify your RV in the weekend. Nevertheless, the verification increases safety, builds trust, and allows you to use the Bolt taxi app with confidence.
Benefits of Bolt's Rider Verification
The Rider Verification add new and additional measure of safety to an existing and potential Bolt drivers and riders. The feature also come with 24/7 support that allows the platform to block any riders and drivers that repeatedly violate the platform's terms and conditions.
Bolt's Rider Verification also helps keep trips safe by checking in if a ride-hailing car stays in one place for too long, contacting both the rider and driver through the app to make sure everything is fine. Also, when calls are made through the Bolt app, the phone numbers of both the rider and driver are kept private.
In a nutshell, the Rider Verification ensures safer journeys with Bolt's drivers and riders. It's a feature requested by drivers to keep themselves safe from bad ordering from riders. Now, it'll be kind of difficult for a verified rider to order fake ride. And if that happens, it can be easily tracked and blocked.