Bolt pioneers toll-inclusive ride fares

Bolt, Europe’s leading mobility platform, has introduced a groundbreaking upgrade to its ride-hailing service in Malaysia by fully integrating toll fares into every ride. This makes Bolt the first platform in the country to offer an entirely seamless and transparent toll fare system for both passengers and partner drivers.

Tackling a longstanding challenge

Previously, toll charges on ride-hailing journeys were typically calculated separately or manually reconciled after a trip — a process prone to disputes and inefficiencies. With nearly 200 tolls across Malaysia and three different tolling systems (open, closed, and mixed), managing toll charges has long been a source of friction for both drivers and passengers.

According to Bolt, around 30% of its rides in Malaysia pass through at least one toll plaza, underscoring the real-world impact of this enhancement. Now, with tolls automatically calculated and included upfront in the fare displayed before booking, users can enjoy a simplified and standardised pricing experience.

“This update reflects our understanding of everyday driving challenges in Malaysia,” said Afzan Lutfi, General Manager of Bolt Malaysia. “We know that tolls are an essential part of the driving experience here, and by automating the process, we eliminate unnecessary guesswork for both partner drivers and passengers.”

More earnings confidence for drivers

For passengers, the toll integration ensures that the final price — inclusive of any tolls — is clearly stated before confirming the ride. This level of pricing transparency aims to build trust and reduce disputes, especially during high-demand hours or unfamiliar routes.

Drivers, on the other hand, benefit from not having to manually track toll expenditures or explain charges to customers, which can be especially challenging in busy traffic conditions.

“Before this, tracking tolls during busy hours was tricky. Now, everything is upfront and it saves time and avoids misunderstandings with passengers,” said Rahimah Ismail, a Bolt partner driver from Klang Valley.

By removing the administrative burden of toll calculations, drivers can instead focus on delivering quality service and maximising their earnings. The company believes that this operational ease will further strengthen driver loyalty and performance on the platform.

More features coming soon

The toll fare integration was announced during Bolt’s recent Raya Open House, where the company engaged directly with its driver community. At the event, Bolt also revealed that additional platform improvements are on the horizon — including enhanced pickup distance management and easier access to driver earnings.

These updates, driven by ongoing driver feedback, are intended to give partner drivers greater control over their schedules and income, further reinforcing Bolt’s driver-first philosophy.

“Transparency leads to better experiences,” Afzan noted. “This feature is part of our wider commitment to making urban mobility more reliable, fair, and convenient for everyone. We look forward to rolling out more locally relevant innovations in the months ahead.”

Bolt’s move is aligned with its broader mission to reimagine urban transportation by reducing everyday obstacles and creating cities built for people, not cars. Through innovations like toll integration, the company is aiming to make ride-hailing more efficient, fair, and user-friendly.