Bolt Celebrates 400 Million Trips in South Africa as New E-Hailing Regulations Roll Out

Bolt has announced a major milestone in South Africa, confirming that it has completed over 400 million trips since launching in the country in 2016. This achievement underscores the platform’s strong presence in one of its biggest African markets and reflects a steady rise in demand for ride-hailing services nationwide.

The company revealed the figures amid growing activity on its platform, with 1.4 million passengers using Bolt every month, supported by a network of over 40,000 active drivers. Bolt currently operates in all nine provinces and 23 cities, highlighting the significant reach it has built over the past nine years.

Adjusting to New National E-Hailing Regulations

Bolt’s announcement comes as the company and its drivers begin transitioning to newly implemented e-hailing regulations introduced by South Africa’s National Department of Transport. These changes aim to enhance safety, strengthen compliance, and improve industry-wide identification standards.

Key components of the new rules include:

• Platform licensing fees: Bolt must pay R5,000 every seven years to operate legally.
• Driver operating licenses: Drivers are required to obtain licenses costing around R1,000 each.
• Mandatory vehicle identification: Cars must display recognisable branding, though it doesn’t have to include the company’s name.
• Physical panic buttons in all e-hailing vehicles: A new safety feature designed to protect both drivers and passengers.

To ease the transition, Bolt is exploring ways to reduce the financial burden on drivers. One proposed solution is offering free vehicle branding for those who opt in, helping drivers meet the new visibility requirements at no additional cost.

Improving Safety with Panic Buttons and Enhanced Identification

A major element of the new regulations is the introduction of physical panic buttons in all e-hailing cars. Bolt is partnering with a private armed response company to determine how to deploy the devices across thousands of vehicles nationwide. The company believes this feature will significantly boost rider and driver safety, an area that has faced increasing scrutiny.

Additionally, the push for clearer vehicle identification is seen as a step toward reducing fraudulent activities and ensuring better accountability in the industry.

Supporting Drivers Through the Transition

Recognising that many drivers are still adjusting to the new licensing and branding requirements, Bolt has begun hosting workshops with the Department of Transport. These sessions aim to help drivers understand the new processes, meet compliance deadlines, and access support as the rules take effect.

Bolt emphasised that the industry-wide shift will take time but expressed confidence that the long-term benefits, particularly improved safety and clearer standards, will strengthen the e-hailing sector.

A Milestone Year for Bolt

With over 400 million trips completed, millions of monthly riders, and continued expansion across South Africa, Bolt says its next phase of growth will depend largely on how smoothly drivers adapt to the new regulatory landscape.

As compliance deadlines approach, the company remains focused on collaboration, safety improvements, and maintaining reliable service across all its operational cities.