Bolt, formerly known as Taxify has launched Bolt Go, a Cheaper option for riders that cost approximately 20% less than its regular rides; in South Africa.

The ride-hailing service will male use of hatchback cars for the Bolt Go service.

The new service has already been trialed successfully in East London and Port Elizabeth and is now being launched in all 35 cities and towns across South Africa where Bolt is active.

According to the ride-hailing firm, time and kilometer-based rates vary between locations, but fares will be approximately 20% cheaper than Bolt’s standard sedan category.

“Smaller hatchback cars are less expensive to purchase, have lower maintenance costs, and are more fuel-efficient to operate than Bolt’s regular larger sedan cars,” says Gareth Taylor, country manager for Bolt in South Africa. “These lower operational costs also enable Bolt Go fares to be significantly more affordable.”

Taylor added that the service is not ideal for trips with lots of luggage, but is perfect for people wanting to quickly, safely and affordably get to work, the shops or to the family – all dependent on the Covid-19 regulations at any time.

While hatchback cars may only operate in the Bolt Go category, Bolt has enabled the drivers of its regular larger sedan car to opt-in and out on an ad-hoc basis to Bolt Go.

Bolt anticipates that popular cars used to render the service will include models such as the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, Datsun Go, and Toyota Etios.  All Bolt Go trips will include Bolt’s existing Trip Protection – a no-cost, a value-added insurance product that covers all passengers and drivers across all car categories in the case of an accident or unexpected incident.

The cheaper service will be an addition to the existing categories – Bolt (the original sedan category), Isolate, Premium, XL and Van – that the service already offers.

“Our focus is on the thousands of South African drivers who rely on Bolt to connect them with passengers and earn a steady income – and enabling them to continue to earn that income to care for their families and loved ones,” says Taylor.

Musa Suleiman
Follow me

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.