5 Bajajes at 1 Johannesburg Garage Have Mzansi in Stitches Over TikTok Video, Bolt Defends Mini Cabs
- A video shows just how common the latest transport to hit the South African market has become
- Hundreds of small yellow vehicles called Bajaj Qutes have been awash all over Johannesburg City after Bolt launched a cheaper transport option
- Many people on TikTok have made viral videos after showing the wild scenes, and Bolt's Regional Manager gave Briefly News the details about the alternative transport
PAY ATTENTION: Watch our new ranking show on YouTube now! Click here or search BIAS TEST on Briefly TV channel.
Bolt has provided South Africans with an alternative means of transport - Bajaj Qutes. Videos all over the internet show how the tiny public transportation vehicles have caused commotion.
Source: TikTok
One video that went viral shows the Bajajes at a garage. The video of the transport received over 2,000 likes, and the Bolt Regional Manager, Takura Malaba, spoke to Briefly News to address the public's concerns over the tiny vehicles all over Johannesburg.
Bajajs take over petrol station
@tiktokclips.daily posted a video of Bolt's tiny taxis. In a video, a man exclaims that the tiny vehicles were taking over. Five Bajajes were all at a petrol station getting fuel at the same time
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Watch the clip below:
Future of Bajaj Qutes in South Africa
Speaking to Briefly News, Bolt's Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Takura Malaba, said they're still assessing plans to expand Bajaj vehicles' operation. He said that the Bajajes takeover indicates that cheaper short-distance transport is in high demand.
Mr Malaba told Briefly News:
"We are optimistic that the broader roll-out of the Bolt Lite category will ensure that passengers have even more mobility options and increase earning opportunities for drivers. Having only launched in July, we continue to assess the performance of this category before further expanding into other parts of Johannesburg."
Mzansi in stitches over Bajajes at filling station
Online users commented that the video of the Bolt Bajajes was hilarious. Many cracked jokes about the funny video.
waheedcooper said:
"It came to this now."
Angelface commented:
"R80 full tank."
Becca wrote:
"I want one so cute . Will it survive the highway?"
Gee Ndeyapo gushed:
"Ooh nice you can also fuel it."
dineshmothilal added:
"Respect for these guys earning an honest living. We should support and not laugh."
Are Bajaj Qutes allowed in South Africa?
While the new form of transport is being widely used, they have a bad reputation. Videos on social media show the tiny vehicles toppled over while in traffic. Speaking to Briefly News, Bolt's Regional Manager explained that Bajaj vehicles were approved as safe public transportation by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in 2017. Mr Malaba said:
"There has been no reason since 2017 that has required the NRCS to direct that these vehicles should not operate on South African roads. The Bajaj Qutes have been sold in South Africa since 2017 and are operated by other public transport operators."
Bolt told Briefly News that they took steps to ensure driver and passengers' safety. According to the regional manager, Bolt partnered with AA to install an emergency response service in the app for passengers and drivers. There is also a physical emergency button in the Bajaj for drivers when they feel unsafe.
Bolt also offers free trauma counselling for drivers and passengers in case of any harrowing incidents while using the service. Drivers are also covered by Bolt Trip Protection for any harm that happens while they are online on the platform.
"Nice life": Bajaj driver says full tank of petrol costs R170 in viral video
Briefly News previously reported that a Bajaj driver who made a stop at Engen garage has caught the attention of South Africans. He was recorded filling up his car with petrol.
The driver calmly answered a motorist at the garage who asked him about his fuel expenses. He said he spent R170 to fill up his tank.
The TikTok footage was uploaded by @zaliszalis5 and garnered 338 000 views in a short period.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: Briefly News
