Bolt has slashed offline trips in Nigeria by 42% since November 2024 after enforcing stricter real-time monitoring rules.
The company says the drop is tied to its $107 million investment in rider safety.
The crackdown targets drivers who bypass the app to collect cash, avoiding Bolt’s commission system. Now, drivers caught steering trips offline face penalties, account suspensions, or reduced earnings.
“If you’re not transacting within the app, you’re exposing yourself to danger,” Osi Oguah, Bolt Nigeria’s General Manager warned. “We’ve seen what happens when rides go [offline]. This isn’t just about business, it’s about keeping people safe.”
Offline trips often lead to fare disputes, impersonation, or even assault, Bolt says.
So the company rolled out new safety tools to protect users.
Among them:
- Trusted Contacts — lets friends or family track trips
- Pickup PINs — verifies drivers before rides start
- Trip Recording — allows passengers to discreetly capture ride audio
- In-app emergency button — connects directly to local police
Bolt says Trusted Contacts usage surged by 290%. Over 5,000 riders now use the PIN system to prevent impersonation.
These tools build on Bolt’s real-time ride tracking and direct reporting features.
Together, they’ve helped reduce offline ride volume nearly in half within six months.
But not all drivers are on board.
Many prefer offline trips to avoid commissions and increase profits—especially with rising fuel and maintenance costs.
In May, drivers staged a sit-at-home protest on Labour Day.
Some have even taken legal action against ride-hailing platforms.
To cope, many drivers now use multiple apps—a trend called multi-homing—to earn more money.
If Bolt keeps tightening rules, it risks losing drivers to rival platforms with looser policies.
The company hasn’t shared engagement numbers since the crackdown began.
But long-term success will depend on drivers accepting lower flexibility—and passengers sticking with safer trips, even if it means longer waits.