Not every trip in the city looks the same, because some riders race to a flight while others watch their budget. Others have several errands to finish before the day ends and want a car that stays with them. Bolt has now added three new options in Kenya to match these different needs, giving riders more control. The Bolt ride categories are Priority, Wait and Save, and Ride by Hour, and riders can see them in the Bolt app.
How the Bolt Ride Categories Work
Priority is the first of the Bolt ride categories. It is made for riders who need to get moving quickly. By choosing it and paying a premium. A rider can be matched with a driver faster, which suits meetings, flights and important appointments. Priority is an extra option and does not replace standard rides, and drivers can still choose which trips they accept. This means higher-value trips, less idle time between rides and a better chance to earn for drivers.
Wait and Save suits riders who have some flexibility in their day and want to pay less for a trip. They can wait for demand to ease, which helps during busy periods when fares are higher. It also brings in customers who might otherwise delay or skip a trip, which can create more ride requests for drivers. That makes the Bolt ride categories more useful across different budgets and different times of day.
Ride by Hour Keeps a Car Waiting
Ride by Hour, the third of the Bolt ride categories, is made for trips with several stops or long waits. Riders can book a car for one or two hours at a fixed hourly rate, with pricing based on time instead of distance. This works well for errands, shopping and business visits, and there are no extra per-stop charges during the booking. Drivers gain more predictable earnings for the booked time, and the model can ease disputes over waiting and added stops.
Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager, Rides, East Africa at Bolt, said the new options give customers “more control over how they travel.” Kanyankole added, “We’re responding to the different needs of riders while creating more opportunities for drivers to access trips, reduce idle time and earn on the platform.” The aim is to give people more choice without losing the convenience they expect from ride-hailing. With the Bolt ride categories now in the app, riders can pick the option that fits each journey.
