Bolt opens ride-hailing to ChatGPT’s 900m users

Ride-hailing company Bolt announced Monday a significant integration with ChatGPT, opening its platform to the artificial intelligence chatbot's approximately 900 million weekly users. This move positions AI assistants as a new gateway for consumer services, allowing users in Nigeria and all other markets where Bolt operates to search for rides, compare route options, receive upfront fare estimates, and view driver arrival times directly within ChatGPT.

While users will still complete payments through the Bolt app for now, the company plans to introduce in-chat payments later this year, further streamlining the booking process. "People don’t plan their evening in five different apps anymore. A lot of that planning happens in one conversation with AI now," said Teddy Appah-Dankyi, Senior General Manager for Bolt West Africa. "For years, booking a ride meant opening a dedicated ride-hailing app. As more everyday interactions take place through AI, we think requesting a ride should be just as straightforward: ask, see the price, and go."

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People don’t plan their evening in five different apps anymore. A lot of that planning happens in one conversation with AI now.

This integration marks one of Bolt's most substantial product expansions beyond its standalone mobile application. It reflects a wider industry shift as technology companies increasingly embed services directly into AI-powered conversational interfaces. Bolt cited research indicating that 80% of global travelers use AI tools for trip planning, with over half willing to let AI manage their travel arrangements.

Founded in Estonia, Bolt operates in over 50 countries and 850 cities, offering ride-hailing, car-sharing, and scooter/e-bike rentals to more than 200 million customers worldwide. The company's collaboration with ChatGPT deepens the connection between generative AI and digital commerce, aiming to make services more discoverable within conversational AI platforms rather than relying solely on dedicated apps or search engines.

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For years, booking a ride meant opening a dedicated ride-hailing app. As more everyday interactions take place through AI, we think requesting a ride should be just as straightforward: ask, see the price, and go.