How Much Bolt Drivers Make in South Africa – Everything You Should Know

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:

  1. Flexible Working Hours: Can Bolt drivers choose their working hours, making it a suitable option for those who prefer or need a flexible schedule?
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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?
  7. 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.

MonthGross FareBolt FeeBooking FeeTake Home Income
January 2024R11,558.35R2,719.66R459.65R8,379.04
February 2024R10,296.33R2,213.66R408.67R7,674.00
March 2024R21,485.00R4,690.02R850.00R15,944.98
April 2024R16,197.66R3692.83R642.34R11,862.49
May 2024R11,408.72R2,482.85R450.28R8,475.59
June 2024R10,848.41R2,368.84R427.59R8,051.98
July 2024R14,546.35R3,425.50R575.65R10,545.20
August 2024R12,023.00R2,723.57R455.31R8,844.12
September 2024R10,411.55R2,258.53R414.45R7,738.57
Grand Total:R87,515.97

How Much Would Car Owner Get?

If you’re the car owner and lend the car to another driver, you would have agreed on the weekly payment plan, whether based on a percentage of the profit or just a flat fee.

The average Bolt car owner makes between R1,800 to R2,300 per week depending on the agreement with the driver.

Best Times for Potentially Good Earnings

The potential earnings from driving with Bolt in South Africa, like in many other locations, can vary significantly depending on several factors such as time of day, day of the week, location, and special events.

However, there are general patterns that tend to result in higher demand for rides, which can lead to increased earnings for drivers.

Here are some key times to consider:

  1. Mid-Week Rush Hours: Morning (6 AM to 9 AM) and evening (4 PM to 7 PM) rush hours on weekdays tend to have higher demand as people commute to and from work.
  2. Weekends: Friday and Saturday nights (from late evening until the early hours of the following day) often see higher demand due to social activities, events, and nightlife. Sundays might also have increased demand in the evenings as people prepare for the upcoming work week.
  3. Holidays and Special Events: Public holidays, major sporting events, concerts, festivals, and other large gatherings can significantly increase demand for rides. Keeping an eye on the local event calendar can help you anticipate these surges.
  4. Tourist Seasons: In tourist-heavy areas, the season can play a significant role. Periods of high tourist activity often result in increased demand for transportation.
  5. Weather Conditions: Inclement weather, such as rain or cold snaps, can lead to a spike in demand as people avoid walking or using public transport.

It’s important to note that while these times can offer higher earning potential due to increased demand, they may also attract more drivers, which can impact the availability of ride requests.

Additionally, Bolt uses dynamic pricing, which means that prices (and therefore earnings) can increase during times of high demand.

To maximize earnings, many drivers combine knowledge of these general patterns with their own experience and observations about local demand trends.

It can also be helpful to use Bolt’s driver app features designed to inform drivers about current demand levels and surge pricing areas.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Car Insurance: Comprehensive car insurance is recommended for ride-share drivers to cover potential damages from accidents, theft, or other incidents.
  5. Car Payments: If the vehicle is financed, monthly car payments are a significant expense.
  6. Registration and Licensing Fees: These fees must be paid annually to keep the vehicle legally registered and roadworthy.
  7. 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.
  8. Toll Fees: Depending on the routes taken, drivers may incur toll fees which can add up, especially if frequently driving on toll roads.
  9. 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.

Is Bolt a Good Investment for Drivers and Car Owners?

Investing in Bolt as a car owner in South Africa can be profitable if you understand the operational costs, risks, and earning potential. It’s a viable option if you have a vehicle that meets Bolt’s requirements and are looking for a way to generate additional income. However, it’s important to keep in mind that success depends on factors such as vehicle maintenance, fuel prices, and the number of hours spent on the road.

For those considering leasing their vehicles to drivers, this can be a good passive income opportunity, provided you find reliable and responsible drivers. Ultimately, whether or not Bolt is a good investment for you will depend on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and how much time and effort you’re willing to put into the business.

If you’re thinking about joining Bolt or leasing your vehicle, consider conducting a detailed cost-benefit analysis and speaking to current Bolt drivers to get a clearer picture of the potential returns.