Cab-hailing services company, Bolt has started rechecking the background and details of new drivers signed to its app with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The move is intended to boost customer safety and ensure access to the mobile app for the drivers.
Most hailing companies carry out their own vetting procedure for the drivers before signing them to their platforms.
The drivers are then allowed to present documents such as valid driver’s licence and police clearance certificate (certificate of good conduct) to prove a clean criminal record, vehicle registration and requirements and proof of insurance.
Bolt said those with a criminal past will have their accounts blocked.
Currently, Bolt provides safety features such as Share your ETA, where a passenger can share their live trip details with their emergency contact numbers.
“To further bolster ride safety, Bolt has also strengthened its drivers screening processes and is closely monitoring drivers for criminal offences in real-time, conducting periodic inspection of their vehicles and also providing them with safety training on how to recognise, avoid, or calm potentially violent situations,” Bolt country manager Ola Akinnus said.
Bolt also upgraded the SOS emergency button, embedded with emergency tracking device and auto location trailing features for security purposes.
The upgrade on the feature is targeting to improve safety of the driver throughout the trip.
It has also included a single tap booking and cancelling feature and re-enforced its 24/7 in-app customer support services to improve customer experience.
“We’ve up-scaled our safety features and policies guidelines on our platform that are easily accessible from the app's home screen such as the driver and rider SOS button, giving drivers and riders a quick way to contact first responders in the event that something goes wrong during a Bolt trip,” Mr Akinnusi said.
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