Bolt has launched Trusted Contacts, a new safety feature that allows riders and driver partners to add friends or family members as emergency contacts. This ensures that Bolt’s Safety Team can quickly reach out to these trusted individuals if the account holder is unresponsive during a trip.
The feature is part of Bolt’s ongoing investment in safety, backed by a €100 million commitment over three years to enhance security on the platform. With Trusted Contacts, safety alerts such as Ride Check notifications and Emergency Assist requests can now be escalated more efficiently if the primary user cannot be reached.
Expanding its in-app safety measures, Bolt has continued to refine its Ride Check system, which detects trip irregularities, and Emergency Assist, which allows users to discreetly contact emergency services or private security partners. Share Location, another key feature, enables riders to share their trip details in real-time with trusted contacts for added security.
Osi Oguah, Bolt’s general manager, highlighted the significance of this update, emphasizing that the feature strengthens the company’s efforts to improve response times in safety incidents. He noted that investing in new tools, features, and a highly trained in-house Safety Team reflects Bolt’s commitment to providing a secure and high-quality ride-hailing experience.
The Trusted Contacts feature has officially launched in Nigeria, reinforcing Bolt’s commitment to user security. To access it, riders and drivers must update their Bolt app to the latest version. As Bolt expands across Africa, this initiative signals a broader push for enhanced safety, ensuring that both riders and drivers have the support they need in emergency situations.
