81% of Passengers Feel Safer Using Ride-Hailing Services than Traditional Public Transport

A new safety perception report conducted by Ipsos, a multinational market research and consulting firm, has revealed that 81% of passengers in Ghana feel safer using ride-hailing services compared to traditional public transport.

The report, commissioned by Bolt, was presented at a press briefing in Accra last week.

DVLA Commends Findings

Speaking at the event, Mr. Albert Potobu, Acting Deputy Director of Research, Business Development and Innovation at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), described the report as a timely resource to support national efforts in enhancing road transport safety.

“Safety for both riders and drivers is our priority as an Authority. While we are working on a more comprehensive safety study, this report provides valuable insights that will feed into our work,” he said.

Mr. Potobu emphasised the importance of discipline, education, and technology integration to ensure safety across all transport modes.

“Before any driver is enrolled on a ride-hailing app, the DVLA ensures their license, roadworthiness, and documentation are valid. This helps maintain standards and safety on our roads,” he added.

Encouraging Technological Adaptation

With more Ghanaians shifting from traditional transport modes such as trotros to e-hailing platforms, Mr. Potobu urged the sector to adapt rather than resist technological advancement.

“Technology is evolving. Instead of seeing it as competition, other transport operators must improve safety standards to remain relevant,” he advised.

He acknowledged that, like any new technology, ride-hailing platforms present challenges, but stressed that regulators and service providers are collaborating to address emerging issues.

Bolt’s Safety Features and Commitment

Ms. Sandra Susan Boyole, Regional Public Relations Manager for Bolt Africa, expressed excitement at the high safety rating given by passengers.

“This is a great endorsement for us. It shows trust and confirms that ride-hailing is solving a major safety challenge in Ghana’s transport system,” she said.

Ms. Boyole highlighted several features currently available on the Bolt app to protect riders and drivers, including audio trip recording, live trip sharing with loved ones, and in-trip incident reporting.

She added that Bolt is continuously enhancing its safety toolkit and welcomes user feedback, including suggestions for a feature to recover items left behind by passengers.

“Feedback from regulators, drivers, and passengers helps us evolve. We are open to enhancing our systems to make our ecosystem safer,” she noted.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu & Theresa Dzifa Tsetse

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