Yes, Bolt does charge for waiting time in most markets, but the specific rules and fees can vary by city and country.
Here’s a general breakdown of how it works:
1. Free Waiting Period
- After you request a ride and the driver arrives at your pickup point, there is typically a free waiting period of 2 to 5 minutes. This gives you time to get to the car without being charged.
- This period starts once the driver arrives and marks themselves as “arrived” in the app.
2. Charges After the Free Period
- If you keep the driver waiting beyond the free period, a per-minute waiting fee will be applied to your final fare.
- The rate per minute varies significantly depending on your location. You can usually find the exact rate in your city’s price breakdown within the Bolt app.
3. How to Avoid Waiting Fees
- Be ready to go: Try to be at the pickup point by the time the driver arrives.
- Use the in-app communication: If you’re running late, you can message or call the driver through the app to let them know.
- Track the driver’s arrival: The app shows the driver’s real-time location, so you can time your exit.
4. Important Exceptions & Notes
- Scheduled Rides: Policies for pre-booked rides might differ.
- Cancellation Fees: If you cancel the ride after the driver has been waiting for more than the free period, you may be charged a cancellation fee that includes the waiting time.
- Driver Cancellation