10 Unwritten Rules Followed by Successful
Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, 30 June 2024 – While the ride-hailing company continues to lead in market share by 70%, it owes its performance to its ability to strike a balance between safety, affordability, and technological features that meet the mobility needs of different classes of riders.
In a live interview with one of the local stations last week, Dimmy Kanyankone, the General Manager of Bolt Tanzania and Kenya shared the top unwritten rules for driver success in Tanzania.
“Our drivers are a critical aspect of the overall economy of cities in Tanzania. For example, we have more motorcycles than cars in the country and most of the bikes are used for economic activities.
Even in the recent rainy season, taxis and “boda bodas” experienced peak demands from commuters heading to work and businesses delivering items”, said Dimmy.
According to the company, having a platform that connects drivers to end users, adjusts prices so that drivers are not underpaid, and stimulates huge demand from riders in search for safe and efficient mobility solutions, has attracted many drivers to use the platform as an ideal source of income. During the interview, Dimmy mentioned 5 top rules that successful drivers do not compromise on, and these are;
- Don’t go online if you’re not ready to take a trip. This will affect your driver scores.
Break times: Turn your availability off during eating times or breaks to avoid having to cancel or getting cancelled on a ride, which lowers your driver ratings. - Keep your phone updated
Break times: Turn your availability off during lunch times or breaks to avoid having to cancel or getting cancelled on a ride, which lowers your driver ratings.
- Know Your Hotspots & Time Zones
Work smart, not just hard: Morning hours can be spent around residential to CBD areas (e.g. Mikocheni to Posta), midday between restaurants and government offices, and evenings between bars, malls, and near bus stops.
- Five-Star Service = Better Tips + Repeat Customers
Small touches make big money: Keep your car clean and well-ventilated, never complain or argue about the route, and develop a realistic mindset for business (there is no perfect business, and difficulties are approached with patience rather than complaining to riders).
- Avoid Waiting Too Long Without a Trip
If you’re idle for over 15 minutes in one area, relocate to a nearby hotspot. Sticking in “dead zones” kills your hourly earnings.
Other unwritten rules to consider according to the company are:
- Use Driver WhatsApp Groups for Intel
Other drivers share real-time updates on high-demand areas, new features in the app, or big events. Stay plugged in—information is power.
- Avoid Cancellations—Unless Absolutely Necessary
Frequent cancellations kill your acceptance rate, delay future requests, and reduce visibility on the app. Cancel only if the trip is unsafe or extremely inefficient.
- Be Smart with Short Trips in Traffic Zones
Short trips (below TZS 3,000) in high-traffic areas like Kariakoo or Posta can take a lot of time.
If you’re in a Boost zone or expecting a bigger trip next, it’s still worth it — just be strategic.
- Be Polite, But Assertive About Safety
If a rider insists on unsafe practices or requests risky shortcuts, calmly and respectfully decline. Riders respect drivers who are professional and caring.
- Aim for Back-to-Back Rides
Always stay active after dropping off, especially in areas near malls, campuses, or business districts. Don’t switch off waiting for a perfect trip—maximize flow.
