Bolt from the blue: Transport Ministry speeds up rider crackdown
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has put the pedal to the metal with Bolt, urging a rapid revamp of rider registrations to meet the Department of Land Transport (DLT) standards. The move aims to deliver safe and cost-effective services across Bolt’s platforms, as revealed by MoT Deputy Permanent Secretary Sorapong Paitoonphong.
Following a high-profile meeting, Sorapong highlighted key resolutions, including Bolt’s pledge to update its rider registration process. This overhaul will align with DLT standards, focusing on vehicle compliance and ensuring drivers hold valid public driving licences.
Furthermore, the DLT has pressed Bolt to accelerate the registration process for motorcycles and ride-hailing vehicles for already registered riders. This action is intended to enhance service compliance and bolster road safety.
Sorapong emphasised the critical need to prevent accidents, noting that heavy workloads and tight deadlines might tempt riders to rush, potentially jeopardising passenger safety.
Eirini Zefeiratou, Vice President of Global Public Policy and Legal Affairs at Bolt, stated that the company already requires riders to hold public driving licences and register vehicles in line with DLT guidelines. She mentioned that all necessary documents must be uploaded by the end of the month, or riders risk account suspension, reported Bangkok Post.
Zefeiratou reaffirmed Bolt’s commitment to abiding by legal requirements and expressed readiness to implement any regulatory tweaks needed to meet public expectations. Insights from the meeting will be used to further improve Bolt’s platform and service quality.
As Bangkok’s bustling streets continue to hum, the ministry’s swift actions are set to ensure a safer, smoother ride for everyone.
The ride-hailing app has been in the news for negative reasons recently. Last week a teenage Thai girl narrowly escaped a rape attempt by a Bolt motorcycle rider in Bangkok . Fortunately, another Bolt rider came to rescue the 17 year old girl.
Two days before that sexual assault attempt Bolt had to issue a statement after one of its taxi drivers allegedly sexually harassed a female passenger and overcharged her.
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