Bolt has reached a major milestone in South Africa, announcing that it has recorded over 400 million trips since launching in 2016. The achievement reflects the company’s rapid growth and strong market penetration across the country’s urban centres.

According to the company, Bolt now serves around 1.4 million passengers each month, supported by a fleet of more than 40,000 active drivers. Its service footprint covers 23 cities across all nine provinces, underscoring the platform’s national reach.

Navigating New E-Hailing Regulations

The milestone comes at a time when Bolt and its drivers are adapting to the country’s newly introduced e-hailing regulations from the National Department of Transport. These rules are designed to improve safety standards, boost compliance, and enhance transparency within the industry.

The updated regulatory framework includes:

• Platform licensing fee: Bolt is required to pay R5,000 every seven years to operate legally.
• Driver licensing: Drivers must obtain individual operating licenses costing approximately R1,000 each.
• Vehicle identification: E-hailing cars must carry identifiable branding, though it doesn’t have to feature Bolt’s name.
• Mandatory physical panic buttons: All vehicles must install panic buttons to enhance rider and driver safety.

To support compliance, Bolt is exploring ways to ease costs for drivers. One initiative under consideration is providing free vehicle branding, helping drivers meet the new requirements without additional expenses.

Strengthening Safety Measures

A key aspect of the updated regulations is the installation of physical panic buttons in all ride-hailing vehicles. Bolt is collaborating with a private armed response company to determine a feasible rollout plan for the thousands of cars on its platform. The company noted that this feature is expected to greatly improve safety outcomes for both drivers and riders.

Clearer vehicle identification is also expected to reduce impersonation and improve overall accountability in the e-hailing ecosystem.

Helping Drivers Through the Transition

Many drivers are still adjusting to the costs and requirements associated with the new regulations. To assist them, Bolt has begun hosting workshops in partnership with the Department of Transport. These sessions help drivers understand the new compliance steps, complete licensing processes, and adapt to branding rules.

Bolt emphasized that while the transition may take time, the long-term benefits, particularly improved safety and stronger regulatory structures, will enhance trust and stability across the sector.

A Significant Achievement for Bolt

With more than 400 million trips completed and millions of monthly users, Bolt continues to cement its place as one of South Africa’s leading e-hailing platforms. The company’s future progress will depend on how effectively drivers and the platform meet the new regulatory demands across all operational cities.

As compliance deadlines approach, Bolt says it remains committed to collaborating with authorities, improving safety measures, and supporting drivers during the nationwide rollout.