- Bolt has launched Bolt Send, a same-day parcel delivery service in Johannesburg North, enabling customers to send small parcels and gifts conveniently through the Bolt app. Payment options include cards or cash.
- This news follows the company’s decision to shut down Bolt Food in South Africa and Nigeria slightly over a month ago.
- The new service, powered by a fleet of Bajaj Qute, represents a strategic expansion that capitalises on the ride-hailing platform's success and popularity.
The ride-hailing company confirmed this development is an “additional earning opportunity for Bolt’s driver partners, solidifying the platform’s commitment to meeting evolving user needs."
It highlighted its commitment to delivering a solution that exceeds user expectations amidst the growing demand for reliable service delivery.
To use this service, users can tap the parcel icon in the app, input a pick-up point and destination, select Bolt Send from the vehicle category page, and then confirm their trip.
Users will receive a notification once the driver has arrived and is ready to collect the parcel. After the parcel has been picked up, they can share the journey with the recipient.
On this move, Bolt Africa PR Manager Sandra Suzanne Buyole said, “Leveraging the strong reception of the Bajaj vehicles allows us to offer a dedicated delivery solution that aligns with Bolt’s reputation for efficiency and innovation.”.
Buyole expressed that the e-hailing company is offering drivers an additional means to earn income during these challenging economic times with this initiative.
Meanwhile, the functionality and pricing of this service depend on distance and demand. The company reiterates that it does not offer insurance coverage for package loss, damage, or theft, and parcels must measure 60 x 40 x 40 cm or smaller and be valued at R1,500 or less.
In December 2023, Bolt announced it’d discontinue its services in Nigeria and South Africa. It noted that the decision to exit this market is necessary to streamline its resources and maximise its overall efficiency as a company.
