Bolt has announced it will allow its drivers in Kenya to set their own prices a move aimed to attract more drivers and ensure riders a greater trip experience.
Bolt will be piloting these new features in Nairobi as the first market in Africa.
The app also hopes to address a rise in frequent cancellations seen by passengers in recent months, as drivers cancel last-minute to avoid a less profitable booking.
The Estonian app said passengers can manually select a preferred driver based on a number of factors such as price fare, expected time of arrival, and driver rating. In addition to these factors, riders can also see additional information such as Driver Photo, Driver Name and Car Details to help empower their decision for their trip.
Drivers will be able to set their own prices within a range of price per Km to reflect their own preferences and local market conditions. Alternatively, they can elect to continue to use Bolt’s dynamic standard pricing. The moves are expected to lead to a better functioning marketplace.
“These changes are part of that philosophy and will create a better functioning marketplace. While driver needs are met, it was just as critically important to ensure riders enjoy the same liberty by selecting a driver of their choice for their trip,” Kenneth Micah, Bolt’s Regional Manager for East Africa said.
