An industry that interests the youth of South Africa, especially those unemployed trying to find work opportunities to make extra income.
So, as a Bolt car owner, I want to show you the financial aspect of a business and how much my Bolt driver makes.
The goal is to help you understand how it works, and make a decision that’ll work best for you.
Let’s get started.
Why I Joined Bolt in South Africa?
In 2020, I saw the opportunity to join the Bolt business as a side hustle after seeing the revenue my friend made on the app, I was so much interested.
Everyone wants to become their own boss, but in my case, I wanted to experiment and see if one could survive with this opportunity.
Joining Bolt as a driver or a service provider in South Africa, I expected the app to offer several advantages:
- Flexible Working Hours: Can Bolt drivers choose their working hours, making it a suitable option for those who prefer or need a flexible schedule?
- Income Opportunities: Can driving with Bolt provide a significant source of income? The more you drive, the more you can potentially earn, which is appealing in areas where additional income sources are valuable.
- Technology-Driven: Bolt’s app and technology make it easy to get started and continue working with minimal hassle. The app handles ride orders, navigation, and payments electronically, simplifying the process for drivers.
- Market Presence: Bolt has a strong market presence in many South African cities, which can lead to a steady stream of passengers and, consequently, consistent earnings for drivers.
- Support and Safety Features: Bolt offers support to its drivers through their added safety features within the app, such as sharing ride details with trusted contacts and GPS tracking.
- Lower Commission Rates: Compared to some other ride-sharing platforms, does Bolt often offer lower commission rates, which could mean more earnings go directly to the drivers?
- Promotions and Incentives: Bolt frequently offers incentives and promotions that can increase earnings or reduce costs, such as discounts on fuel or maintenance services through partnerships with other companies.
So we joined Bolt and here’s how much the driver made, so far this year.
How Much The Driver Made in 2024
We will update this table every month, to show you progress and how much we’re pushing.
| Month | Gross Fare | Bolt Fee | Booking Fee | Take Home Income |
| January 2024 | R11,558.35 | R2,719.66 | R459.65 | R8,379.04 |
| February 2024 | R10,296.33 | R2,213.66 | R408.67 | R7,674.00 |
| March 2024 | R21,485.00 | R4,690.02 | R850.00 | R15,944.98 |
| April 2024 | R16,197.66 | R3692.83 | R642.34 | R11,862.49 |
| May 2024 | R11,408.72 | R2,482.85 | R450.28 | R8,475.59 |
| June 2024 | R10,848.41 | R2,368.84 | R427.59 | R8,051.98 |
| July 2024 | R14,546.35 | R3,425.50 | R575.65 | R10,545.20 |
| August 2024 | R12,023.00 | R2,723.57 | R455.31 | R8,844.12 |
| Grand Total: | R79,777.40 | |||
Bolt Peak Hours in Popular Cities
Bolt peak hours in South Africa typically align with those of other ride-sharing services depending on the city you’re driving at and generally include:
- Morning Rush Hour: Between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays, as people commute to work or school.
- Evening Rush Hour: Between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM on weekdays, when people are heading home from work or going out.
- Weekend Nights: Especially Friday and Saturday nights from around 8:00 PM to late, as people travel to social events, restaurants, or clubs.
- Special Events: Any time there is a concert, festival, or sporting event, demand can spike before and after the event in the area around the venue.
These times can vary slightly based on specific locations within South Africa and the day of the week. Understanding these peak periods can help drivers plan their schedules to maximize earnings.
Maintainance & Operational Costs
Driving for Bolt in South Africa, like with other ride-sharing services, involves various expenses that drivers need to consider before determining their take-home salary.
Here are some of the main costs associated with driving for Bolt:
- Fuel Costs: This is one of the most significant and variable expenses. Fuel prices can fluctuate, and the amount of fuel you use depends on the number of kilometers you drive.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs: Regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and general repairs are needed to keep the vehicle in good working condition. Unexpected repairs can also arise.
- Vehicle Depreciation: The more you use your vehicle, the more its value decreases. This cost isn’t out of pocket but affects the long-term profitability of driving for Bolt.
- Car Insurance: Comprehensive car insurance is recommended for ride-share drivers to cover potential damages from accidents, theft, or other incidents.
- Car Payments: If the vehicle is financed, monthly car payments are a significant expense.
- Registration and Licensing Fees: These fees must be paid annually to keep the vehicle legally registered and roadworthy.
- Mobile Data and Phone Costs: Drivers need a smartphone with a data plan to use the Bolt app for managing rides, navigation, and communication with passengers.
- Toll Fees: Depending on the routes taken, drivers may incur toll fees which can add up, especially if frequently driving on toll roads.
- Commission Fees: Bolt charges a commission and booking fee on each fare, which is a percentage of the earnings from rides.
Bolt drivers must manage these expenses effectively to maximize their net earnings while working with Bolt.