Africa’s leading on-demand e-hailing platform, Bolt, has opened its second Driver Engagement Centre in Thornton, Cape Town, this week.
This strategic move comes after driver-partners expressed the critical need for in-person support from the company.
Earlier this month, e-hailing drivers announced a planned three-day protest in KwaZulu-Natal to highlight their challenges regarding their safety and livelihoods as drivers on e-hailing platforms.
This new centre is part of Bolt’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its relationship with driver-partners. Last year, the first Driver Engagement Centre was opened by Bolt in Johannesburg, and it continues to offer dedicated support to drivers in the city.
Following its success, and seeing how it has helped to enhance support to driver-partners, the company has extended this initiative to Cape Town and plans to expand the network of centres nationwide.
The centre will offer improved driver support, issue resolution, and assistance to new driver partners especially, who may require it to get on the road more quickly. It will also serve as a Lost and Found centre where passengers can pick up items forgotten in Bolt vehicles during their rides.
According to Bolt’s Senior Operations Manager, Simo Kalajdzic, the new centre will also be a place where drivers will receive training sessions designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel while driving with Bolt. These sessions will cover customer service best practices, ways to maximise earnings, as well as provide safety protocols, and vehicle maintenance tips.
“By providing this comprehensive training, Bolt aims to ensure that drivers feel confident and supported and have the tools to enhance their overall performance and success on the platform, ultimately improving the passenger experience,” Kalajdzic adds.
In cities where there are no centres, Bolt regularly hosts engagement sessions (Booster days) to hear about drivers' concerns, address any barriers they face and ensure they have the tools and knowledge to succeed on the platform.
Additionally, the company hosted the first of many self-defence and safety training sessions for female drivers in Johannesburg during Women’s Month. The initiative was aimed to equip women drivers with the skills to navigate the unique safety challenges faced on South African roads.
IOL