Bolt launches women-only ride option in Czechia to boost safety and inclusivity

Ride-hailing company Bolt has introduced a new service in Prague, "Women for Women," allowing passengers to request rides exclusively from women drivers. The initiative aims to enhance safety and comfort while encouraging more women to enter the ride-hailing industry.

Bolt says the service is designed to reduce the risk of harassment—particularly at night—and ensure that women feel safer during taxi journeys.

“There are already hundreds of women drivers operating in the capital—the all-women service is now active [in Czechia],” said Josef Rückl, Bolt’s general manager for Czechia and Slovakia. The initiative is part of the Estonian company’s long-term strategy to recruit more women drivers worldwide.

Women for Women builds upon Bolt’s existing safety measures, which include route sharing, an in-app emergency button, and real-time ride monitoring. The app also features audio recording capabilities, allowing passengers and drivers to document interactions if they feel unsafe.

A key feature of the new service is Rider Verification, ensuring that only women passengers can book rides in this category. Before requesting a ride, users must verify their identity by uploading an ID and a selfie, which the app cross-checks for accuracy.

To prevent misuse, Bolt allows drivers to decline rides if they discover the passenger is not a woman or if they feel uncomfortable. Drivers who cancel under these circumstances will not be penalized and will be compensated for their time and travel to the pickup location.

Nikola, a longtime Bolt driver, welcomed the new category, saying many passengers have expressed relief at having the option.

“They feel more at ease when they see a woman behind the wheel, especially at night,” she said. “It also gives me peace of mind knowing I can choose which passengers I transport.”

Advocacy groups have also praised the initiative. Naďa Gubová, head of crisis services at the nonprofit organization proFem, said: “This category allows women to feel more comfortable while traveling, especially at night. We also hope it will encourage more women to join the ride-hailing industry.”

According to data from the Czech Police, women tend to drive more cautiously than men, contributing to fewer accidents. Oldřich Kassl, Prague coordinator for the country’s Road Safety Department, sees the new category as a positive step.

“Women cause up to two-thirds fewer traffic accidents than men. Increasing their participation in professional driving can improve safety for everyone on the road,” he said.