Time flies with great content! Renew in to keep enjoying all our premium content.
Prime
Bolt revamps ride categories, tightens rules for drivers
Some drivers have criticised the move, saying those moved to the Standard category might get fewer rides since most customers prefer the cheaper Economy option.
Ride-hailing firm Bolt has introduced a new vehicle category and updated its operating rules, relegating older and smaller-engine cars to a cheaper tier, in a move is aimed at improving driver earnings and enhancing the customer experience on its platform.
Bolt, one of the leading players in Kenya’s digital taxi market, has unveiled a “Comfort” category for larger vehicles that previously operated under “Bolt Standard,” while introducing new requirements—such as working air conditioning and a maximum age of eight years—for cars in this tier.
Like other digital taxi firms, Bolt has faced persistent complaints from Kenyan drivers over low fares despite rising fuel costs and living expenses, with some drivers resorting to charging passengers outside the app to stay afloat.
The company says the latest changes are designed to “improve trip accuracy, driver earnings, and passenger experience” by allowing drivers with larger vehicles to earn more and ensuring passengers get value for the tier they select.
“This update is about creating the best match between trip types and vehicles, so drivers spend less time idling, and riders get the experience they expect. We believe this shift will make earning more efficient and sustainable for drivers, especially in the long term,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, Bolt Kenya country manager.
Effective from last Wednesday, Bolt has removed all vehicles with more than 1,000cc engine capacity—such as the Mazda Demio, Nissan Note, Toyota Vitz, and Honda Fit—from the “Economy” category, shifting them to the “Standard” category, which attracts higher fares.
The Economy category, which remains the cheapest option for four-wheeled vehicles, will now be reserved for smaller models such as the Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Wagon R, Toyota Passo, Daihatsu Mira, and Renault Kwid, among others.
Under the new rules, vehicles in the Standard category must also be no more than 10 years old and will now be allowed to carry up to four passengers. Economy cars, by contrast, will be restricted to a maximum of three passengers.
However, vehicles with engines larger than 1,000cc but older than 10 years will be allowed to continue operating under the Economy tier.
Some drivers have criticised the move, arguing that those shifted to the new Standard category may receive fewer ride requests, as most customers prefer the lower-priced Economy option.
“We have been calling on Bolt to review the fares for a long time, but this is not what we expected. They have sacrificed some of us. Now, some drivers are very happy, and others are crying,” said a driver, who sought anonymity.
Bolt has defended the changes saying they were long overdue and are meant to better align driver earnings with operating costs, particularly fuel consumption, while also ensuring that passengers get service quality appropriate to their selected fare category.
The move comes just months after Bolt’s main rival in Kenya, Uber, also introduced stricter operational requirements for its drivers, including mandatory onboarding training and newer car standards, in a bid to control driver oversupply that had eroded earnings.
