Calabar drivers drivers urge platform upgrade to verify passengers’ ID

Concerned about colleague safety, Bolt drivers in Calabar, Cross River State, have called on Bolt to create an app feature that verifies rider identity during ride booking.

The demand was made on Wednesday in Calabar during a driver-led safety summit organised by Bolt with the theme, “Driving the Wheels of Safety—Securing the Future of Ride-Hailing.”

During a panel discussion, several drivers shared experiences, recounting incidents involving both regulatory task agencies and riders. Many drivers reported instances of car theft and attacks by individuals posing as riders.

The drivers requested an app upgrade to identify riders during the booking process, noting that it would enhance safety for both riders and drivers.

In response, Bolt Nigeria’s General Manager, Mr. Osi Oguah, stated that Bolt has already begun implementing rider verification to ensure safety for both drivers and passengers. He explained that Bolt is committed to investing in technology, driver training, and community partnerships to improve safety standards and foster a culture of safety within the ride-hailing ecosystem.

“For instance, we now have numerous safety features in the app, including rider verification for our drivers. This means drivers can rest assured that the process is set up for them to identify their riders just as riders can identify their drivers. We are committed to making the platform safer for everyone because safety is a continuous process,” Oguah assured.

He said the summit was an opportunity to engage with Cross River drivers, who are essential to their business, as well as with security stakeholders in their goal to create a safer city for people, not just cars.

On gender equality, Oguah said the commitment to making the app safer, especially for women interested in the driving profession. He further assured that Bolt remains dedicated to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to uphold safety standards in the ride-hailing environment.

“Our driver-partners are at the heart of our operations, and their safety is paramount. This summit empowers them to be active participants in shaping safety initiatives and ensuring a secure future for ride-hailing in Calabar and beyond,” Oguah said.

The Cross River State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Ekpenyong Cobham, represented by his Special Assistant, Jeddy Agba, stated that the summit was timely, considering the global transportation community’s shift towards urban mobility programs that prioritise sustainable and safer policies for public transportation.

Commending Bolt for its proactive engagement with drivers to emphasise safety, Cobham noted that the Ministry of Transportation has submitted a memo to the Attorney General’s office to establish a sustainable and futuristic regulatory framework addressing driver concerns and gender safety.

He added, “I commend Bolt for taking this proactive step to engage with their drivers to prioritise safety in Calabar. This summit demonstrates their commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to improve the ride-hailing experience in our state. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these discussions on the safety and security of both drivers and passengers.”

The State Commissioner of Police, represented by ACP Adewalehinmi Joshua, emphasised the importance of staying alert and being aware of situations that could impact personal safety, noting that safety is a shared responsibility.

Photo: Participants at the Bolt Drivers Summit in Calabar