Bolt Introduces Real-time Flight Monitoring for Airport Arrival Services in South Africa
Bolt South Africa has introduced a new feature that aims to revolutionise airport travel for both individual and corporate users. The service, known as Flight Tracking for Scheduled Rides, is now available at major airports across the country, including OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), King Shaka (DUR), Lanseria (HLA), and Port Elizabeth (PLZ).
How it Works
With this feature, users can schedule rides in advance — from 30 minutes up to 90 days before pickup — and track the driver in real time via the Bolt app. This ensures passengers can monitor their driver’s location and estimated arrival dynamically throughout the journey, enhancing visibility and control over their scheduled trips.
Benefits for Individual Users
For individual users, the benefits include:
- Convenience of booking rides ahead of time according to planned schedules.
- Real-time tracking provides reassurance and situational awareness of the driver’s approach.
- Safety features integrated within the app such as emergency assist and audio trip recording boost passenger security during the ride.
- Transparent pricing and multiple payment options ensure seamless and predictable transactions.
Benefits for Corporate Users
For corporate users, especially those using Bolt Business (available in several African countries including South Africa):
- Ability to manage multiple rides, streamline corporate travel, and provide safe, affordable transport for employees.
- Scheduled rides combined with tracking improve operational efficiency, allowing businesses to ensure employees arrive on time with verified trips.
- Corporate accounts may benefit from payment consolidation and better oversight of travel expenses.
- Enhanced safety features support duty-of-care obligations by monitoring rides actively and providing safety tools if needed.
Enhanced Airport Pick-ups
Bolt also plans to reduce wait times by better matching riders with available drivers in the airport queue. The flight tracking feature also adds value through reporting, ideal for managing employee and client travel. Moreover, Bolt aims to improve airport pick-up visibility.
Peace of Mind
Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager at Bolt, stated that customers can now enjoy peace of mind knowing their ride will adjust if their flight is delayed or cancelled. This feature has seen a 275% increase in usage since its introduction.
Expanded Appeal
Flight tracking boosts Bolt’s appeal to both individual and corporate users. For Bolt Business, the flight tracking feature adds value through reliable airport transport, centralised billing, and enhanced safety features.
Airports remain the top destination for Bolt trips in South Africa. To use the service, tap "Schedule" on the Bolt app home screen. Input airline, flight number, landing date, or departure city. Choose how long after landing you'd like to be picked up. Enter your arrival airport, destination, and tap "Add flight details". If a flight is delayed or cancelled, the ride will automatically adjust or be cancelled at no extra cost.
With Flight Tracking for Scheduled Rides, Bolt South Africa offers a convenient, secure, and efficient solution for airport travel, catering to the needs of both individual and corporate users.
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the convenience and safety of Bolt's airport travel service. Users can track their drivers in real-time via the Bolt app, providing them with peace of mind and situational awareness (technology: real-time tracking). Additionally, Bolt's new Flight Tracking for Scheduled Rides service leverages technology to dynamically adjust pick-ups in case of flight delays or cancellations, ensuring a seamless travel experience (technology: automatic adjustment).
