Bolt turns up the pressure as e-hailing drivers face tougher new rules

South African e-hailing service Bolt is intensifying its compliance efforts across the country as provinces struggle to process thousands of pending operating licence applications. The company's actions stem from the new transport laws that mandate e-hailing platforms to secure operating licences and adhere to safety standards. Non-compliant platforms risk substantial fines and imprisonment, while e-hailing vehicles must be equipped with panic buttons and comply with other regulations.

Bolt became the initial major e-hailing platform to obtain a Certificate of Registration from the National Public Transport Regulator earlier this year.

Fikile Nzuza-Chunga, Bolt's Senior Public Policy Manager, emphasized that while the company has taken the lead in compliance, operators must also grasp the legal requirements, ensure the licensing processes work in practice, and maintain accessibility for the regulatory bodies. To facilitate this, Bolt has launched a provincial engagement program to bridge the gap between regulation and implementation.

The company has already convened regulatory meetings with operators and government officials in the North West and Western Cape provinces. In North West, over 150 operators participated in a meeting in Rustenburg, where discussions focused on licensing and safety requirements. The North West Provincial Regulatory Entity reported a backlog of 3,000 to 5,000 pending operating licence applications in the province.

Bolt is also expanding its rider identity verification process throughout South Africa, requiring riders to provide their ID number and take a selfie. These measures aim to enhance accountability and safety for both drivers and passengers. According to Nzuza-Chunga, while verification is not a standalone solution, it is a crucial component of the comprehensive safety system that Bolt is continuously developing.