Mikael Uusivuori, the country manager for Bolt in Finland, shared his concerns about the potential increase in dangerous situations for ride-hailing services during a recent interview. This discussion comes in the wake of regulatory reforms in the taxi sector, which aim to enhance passenger safety. Uusivuori highlighted the importance of ensuring drivers' identities and licenses are verified before registering with the service as part of these safety measures.

In light of reported incidents, including a case where a Bolt driver was sentenced for inappropriate behavior towards a passenger, Uusivuori reiterated the company's commitment to passenger safety. He mentioned that Bolt implements various verification processes, such as real-time selfie checks, which require drivers to submit a live image of themselves before accepting rides. This procedure helps confirm that the account holder is indeed the driver behind the wheel, working to prevent fraudulent activity.

Uusivuori also pointed out additional features available to enhance safety, including the option for customers to share their real-time location with friends or family. This capability not only provides peace of mind for passengers but also acts as a deterrent against potential misconduct. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on safety remains a critical focus for companies like Bolt in the competitive ride-hailing market.