A new nationwide survey has revealed a significant shift in the transport preferences, with 81 percent of Ghanaians saying they consider ride-hailing services such as Bolt, Yango, and Uber to be safer than traditional public transport options.

The findings, published in the Ride-Hailing Safety Index Report, were commissioned by Bolt and conducted by global research firm Ipsos.

The study offers a detailed look into how Ghanaians perceive safety in transportation and the growing trust in digital mobility platforms.

The survey covered four major cities — Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi — and explored key factors that shape transport choices, including convenience, technology, and safety experiences.

It also assessed how in-app safety features and innovations influence passenger confidence, especially among women and young professionals.

Growing Preference for App-Based Travel

According to the report, 80 percent of respondents said they choose ride-hailing services mainly for convenience, while 45 percent cited safety as their top reason.

A remarkable 92 percent said they turn to ride-hailing when they want a safer or more reliable option, particularly during late-night trips (70%), or when they feel unsafe walking (50%) or are too tired or unwell to drive (46%).

These statistics suggest that digital mobility has become a vital part of the urban transport ecosystem, offering a dependable alternative to commercial taxis and “trotros” — the popular but often unsafe and unregulated minibuses that dominate city transport.

Women Leading the Shift

The report also highlighted a gender dimension: women constitute about 70 percent of ride-hailing users in Ghana, with most between the ages of 25 and 34.

This demographic trend reflects how ride-hailing apps are empowering women to travel independently and safely, especially in urban areas where harassment and theft in public transport remain concerns.

Safety Features Driving Confidence

Respondents identified real-time GPS tracking (61%), driver verification (57%), and trip sharing options (55%) as the most reassuring safety tools built into the apps.

Overall, 94 percent of passengers said these features make them feel safer during trips.

Furthermore, 52 percent of Ghanaians believe ride-hailing services help reduce drunk driving incidents, particularly after social events, by providing an accessible, on-demand alternative.

Industry Voices Call for Continued Safety Investment

Speaking at the report’s launch in Accra, Sandra Suzanne Buyole, Bolt’s Regional PR Manager for Ghana, said the findings confirm that safety remains central to user trust in ride-hailing platforms.

“This report gives us valuable insight into how Ghanaians experience and perceive safety when using ride-hailing. It reinforces that safety is not only a key reason people choose digital mobility, but also an area where continuous investment in technology, driver education, and stakeholder collaboration can make a lasting difference,” she stated.

Adding his perspective, Witness Soyinka, Head of Strategy for Ipsos Africa, emphasized that trust, traceability, and accountability are the main drivers of public confidence in ride-hailing.

“The findings show that Ghanaians increasingly associate ride-hailing with reliability and transparency — essential qualities for building long-term trust in urban mobility,” Soyinka noted.

Towards Safer Urban Transport

The Ride-Hailing Safety Index Report is expected to guide future collaborations between ride-hailing companies, regulators, and road safety agencies.