Bolt is a better option for users needing wide availability and diverse payment methods, while Waymo One is suitable for those prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and experiencing driverless technology within its limited service areas.
| Attribute | Bolt Ride-Hailing | Waymo One Driverless Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Average wait time | 15-20 minutes (may vary); longer with Wait & Save option | Varies; 2-18 minutes typical, 5-10 minutes on weekdays in San Francisco, 15-20 minutes on weekends in San Francisco; one user reported 15 minutes. |
| Pricing structure (base fare, surge pricing) | Base fare + time & distance; surge pricing during peak hours; fare estimates shown upfront; waiting time fees apply after a couple of minutes | Base fare + per-mile charge + per-minute charge; Phoenix: $2.25 base, $1.50/mile, $0.30/minute; San Francisco: First one-fifth mile of flag rate is $4.15. Each additional one-fifth mile or fraction thereof is $0.65. Each minute of waiting or traffic time delay is $0.65; Average $11.22/km ($18.06/mi); No surge pricing; Possible 2% surcharge in San Francisco. |
| Geographic coverage area | Over 600 cities across more than 50 countries in Europe, Africa, Western Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America | Parts of San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles; Also available in Austin and Atlanta via Uber; Los Angeles service area covers over 120 square miles. |
| Vehicle types available (e.g., sedan, SUV, electric) | Standard, Comfort, Premium, XL, Electric; electric scooters and car-sharing in some locations; Bolt WAV (wheelchair-accessible); Bolt Assist (for passengers needing extra help) | Electric Jaguar I-Pace SUVs; accommodates up to 4 riders. |
| App usability and features | iOS and Android; quick booking, fare transparency, real-time tracking, multiple payment options, live lock-screen notifications, live location sharing, rider ratings, web app version available | Similar to standard rideshare apps; enter pickup/dropoff; select exact pickup location and side of street; displays initials on vehicle. |
| Safety measures and driver vetting process | In-app emergency button, real-time ride tracking, driver background checks, new rider verification (selfie and ID), in-app audio recording for drivers, trip detail sharing with trusted contacts, emergency assist button, trip monitoring | 29 cameras, 6 radar sensors, 4 LiDAR sensors; collision detection and notification to Waymo operations center; rigorous safety framework. |
| Customer support responsiveness | Self-help, automation, AI, or agent response; in-app chat, email, phone, and social media; 24/7 support team | 24/7 support via app or passenger screen; real-time support specialist available via in-car button; technicians monitor vehicles. |
| Ride customization options (e.g., preferred route, music) | Preferred vehicle type selection; in-car preferences (A/C, music) in some vehicles; Bolt Assist and Bolt WAV in London | Select exact pickup location and side of street; connect to car's app and play own music. |
| Accessibility options (wheelchair accessibility) | Bolt WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicles with trained drivers); Bolt Assist (for passengers who need extra help) | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) available (manually driven); descriptive audio; minimized walking time. |
| Driverless technology reliability (Waymo One) | Not available (no driverless technology) | Over 100 million miles of real-world driving; avoided 100% of collisions as initiator, 82% when anticipating human error. |
| Cleanliness of vehicles | Drivers expected to maintain cleanliness; vehicle sanitation services offered; passengers responsible for cleaning fees or damage | Cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day; hand sanitizers and wipes provided; cameras inside to confirm cleanliness. |
| Payment options | Credit/debit cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), cash; PayPal in some countries | Major credit cards and Apple Pay accepted; Venmo and PayPal not available. |