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New feature allows Bolt users to book, pay for rides for up to 9 people
The ride-hailing firm said the new feature would be especially helpful for parents, caregivers, or anyone supporting older relatives who may not use smartphones or ride-hailing apps regularly.
Ride-hailing firm Bolt has launched a new feature on its app that allows one user to manage and pay for rides for up to nine other commuters from a single account.
Bolt said the feature, dubbed Family Profile, would help simplify the coordination of trips for customers in different locations.
“According to data by Bolt, 2-6 percent of Bolt rides are currently ordered on someone’s behalf other than the account holder, often requiring manual coordination and sharing of trip details,” the company said.
“The new feature simplifies that process, offering a built-in solution that allows customers to invite others to join their profile, set monthly spending limits, and receive live trip notifications. Members can request rides independently if they use the app, while the account holder retains oversight,” it added.
The ride-hailing firm said the new feature would be especially helpful for parents, caregivers, or anyone supporting older relatives who may not use smartphones or ride-hailing apps regularly.
“Data shows that ride-hail usage is growing fastest among older adults, but practical barriers, like app complexity or payment requirements, still limit adoption. Family Profile helps close that gap by letting one person handle ride management and payments for others, even if they don’t use the Bolt app themselves,” the company said.
The feature comes weeks after Bolt introduced a new vehicle category and updated its operating rules, relegating older and smaller-engine cars to a cheaper tier in a move aimed at improving driver earnings and enhancing the customer experience on its platform.
The firm unveiled a Comfort category for larger vehicles that previously operated under Bolt Standard, while introducing new requirements – such as working air conditioning and a maximum vehicle age of eight years – for cars in this tier.
Bolt removed all vehicles with more than 1,000cc engine capacity – such as the Mazda Demio, Nissan Note, Toyota Vitz, and Honda Fit – from the Economy category, shifting them to the Standard category, which attracts higher fares.
The Economy category, which remains the cheapest option for four-wheeled vehicles, is now reserved for smaller models such as the Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Wagon R, Toyota Passo, Daihatsu Mira, and Renault Kwid, among others.
