Bolt introduces premium ride option after rapid market expansion

Bolt, Europe’s leading mobility platform, has witnessed remarkable growth in Malaysia, just three months after launching its ride-hailing service in the Klang Valley. The company has reported a 540% increase in driver-partners and a 280% rise in registered passengers, marking a strong entry into the Malaysian ride-hailing market.

This rapid adoption has also led to improved service efficiency, with average estimated arrival times (ETA) reduced by half, ensuring faster and more reliable rides for passengers. The company attributes its success to its driver-first approach, offering fairer earnings and cost-effective fares, making it a strong competitor in Malaysia’s competitive e-hailing landscape.

“The response to Bolt in Malaysia has been incredible,” said Afzan Lutfi, General Manager Malaysia at Bolt. “In just three months, we’ve seen strong demand for a ride-hailing platform that puts drivers first, offers fairer earnings, and delivers better experiences for passengers. Our rapid growth shows that drivers are embracing the flexibility and earning potential that Bolt provides, while passengers enjoy faster, more affordable trips with toll charges included in fares for a smoother and more transparent experience.”

Fairer Earnings and Greater Flexibility

Bolt has positioned itself as a driver-friendly platform by introducing one of the lowest commission rates in the market at 15%, significantly lower than the industry standard of 20%. This initiative allows drivers to retain more of their earnings, contributing to higher income stability. Since its launch, Bolt has already paid out over MYR 22.8 million in earnings to its driver-partners, reinforcing its commitment to supporting livelihoods in the gig economy.

Drivers on Bolt also enjoy greater flexibility, as they have full control over their trip selections, allowing them to optimize their schedules and earnings. Unlike other ride-hailing platforms that assign rides automatically, Bolt allows drivers to manually choose the trips that best align with their availability and preferences.

To further incentivize new drivers, Bolt offers an activation bonus of RM200 for those who complete 30 rides within 60 days, helping them offset the costs of obtaining a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license. Additionally, Bolt’s daily driver engagement campaigns ensure consistent earning opportunities without the pressure of long-hour commitments, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexible income.

Introducing Bolt Executive

Building on its strong growth momentum, Bolt is set to introduce Bolt Executive, a new ride category catering to passengers seeking a luxurious and high-quality experience. This premium segment features a fleet of luxury MPVs, consisting exclusively of Toyota Vellfires and Toyota Alphards, offering a comfortable and stylish alternative for passengers.

The introduction of Bolt Executive aligns with the company’s strategy to diversify its offerings, ensuring that passengers have more ride options while creating additional income streams for drivers. “The introduction of Bolt Executive is a natural next step as we continue to expand our offerings, giving passengers more choice and creating new income opportunities for drivers,” said Afzan Lutfi.

Shaping the Future of Ride-Hailing

As Bolt continues its expansion in Malaysia, the company remains committed to enhancing driver earnings, service quality, and ride options. The driver-first approach, coupled with its innovative offerings such as Bolt Executive, positions the company as a strong competitor in Malaysia’s growing e-hailing market.

“We’re just getting started, and we’re excited to grow alongside our partner drivers and passengers as we shape the future of ride-hailing in Malaysia,” Afzan added.

With its rapid growth, competitive driver incentives, and premium ride offerings, Bolt is steadily establishing itself as a leading player in Malaysia’s ride-hailing industry. As the company continues to expand, it remains focused on delivering greater flexibility, fairer earnings, and premium experiences for both drivers and passengers.