As South Africa prepares to celebrate Freedom Day on 27 April, Bolt is seeing a sharp rise in ride bookings made in advance, with its Ride Scheduling feature recording a 275% increase in usage. From road trips and family braais to nights out at clubs and bars, South Africans are taking the smart route by planning their transport ahead of the long weekend.
“Freedom Day is a time to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate. But with it comes busier roads, more social plans, and the need for safe, reliable transport,” says Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager for Bolt South Africa. “We are seeing a clear trend showing that riders are planning ahead and using our scheduling feature to make the most of their long weekend, without the stress of last-minute travel.”
Bolt’s Ride Scheduling feature allows passengers to book a trip up to 72 hours in advance, making it the ideal tool for anyone heading to see loved ones, planning a festive weekend getaway, or enjoying a night out with drinks.
Why Scheduled Rides Make Sense This Freedom Day Weekend:
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Stay safe after a night out: Celebrate responsibly by booking your ride before you go out. Whether you’re bar-hopping or dancing until sunrise, avoid the risk of drinking and driving by scheduling your Bolt ride home.
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Family time without the fuss: From braais to family reunions, pre-booking your ride means one less thing to worry about.
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Less waiting, more relaxing: Beat the peak-time rush by locking in your trip ahead of time with no delays, no stress.
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Celebrate with freedom and certainty: Travel on your own terms, with a driver ready when you are.
Drivers Benefit Too
The feature is not just a win for riders, but Bolt drivers also benefit from scheduled rides. With more predictability, they can plan their day better, reduce idle time, and maximise their earnings.
“When riders schedule ahead, it allows drivers to better manage their routes and meet demand more efficiently, especially during high-traffic periods like the Freedom Day weekend,” adds Motsoeneng. “It’s a more seamless experience for everyone.”
As the country marks this important national holiday, Bolt is encouraging riders to plan their movements safely and efficiently with ride scheduling helping make the most of every moment, from start to finish.
Schedule your next ride at www.bolt.eu and take the stress out of Freedom Day travel.
Download the Bolt app today and get where you need to go safely.
