Bolt upgrades Driver app chat with the ability to translate speech-to-text in South Africa. Picture: Supplied
Ride-hailing platform, Bolt, is enhancing its Driver App with a new chat feature that allows driver-partners to communicate more effectively with passengers, regardless of language barriers.
This latest upgrade introduces the ability to translate speech to text, enabling driver-partners to dictate messages instead of typing them.
This message is then transcribed, translated into the rider’s preferred language, and sent as a regular chat message to the rider.
To use this feature, drivers can simply tap the microphone icon in the chat interface, grant the app permission to access the phone’s microphone, select their language, and dictate their message.
Before sending, they have the option to review and edit the transcribed text, ensuring accuracy before it is translated and sent to the rider in their preferred language.
Initially available on Android devices, this chat upgrade is particularly beneficial for local driver-partners who frequently interact with tourists.
Many travellers using Bolt across the 50+ markets where the company operates will now have a smoother experience, as the difference in languages will be further minimised.
This speech-to-text translation feature is part of a series of recent enhancements to the Bolt Driver App, including the introduction of Driver Compliments. This feature allows passengers to recognise and motivate drivers by accompanying a high rating with positive feedback and comments after a trip.
Sandra Buyole, Regional PR Manager at Bolt, said: “At Bolt, we know how important it is to have quick and effective communication between driver-partners and riders.
“With this upgrade, we enable driver-partners in South Africa to communicate more easily and swiftly with our riders.”
IOL