Ride-hailing app Bolt comes to borough

A POPULAR ride-hailing platform has expanded its service to Wokingham and Bracknell.

The move comes in time for the busy festive period during which Bolt expects business in its existing London base to increase by as much as 15%.

The launch into 17 additional locations comes after demand for the service increased during the dark, cold and wet days of October and November.

In addition to the expected demand as a result of Christmas, the Estonia-headquartered firm is anticipating the offer being popular since many potential customers have either opened the app prior to the expansion, or finished their ride in the region having started their journey in the company’s existing London operating area.

Bolt said launching in Wokingham and Bracknell was to further increase the earning potential and flexibility enjoyed by drivers registered with its platform, for example, they can pick up passengers on their commute to or from London.

The launch also means rides can start from more transport hubs lincluding at Wokingham and Bracknell railway stations.

Deborah Meijer, head of operations for Bolt in London, said: “The run-up to Christmas is a busy time for everyone, including passengers and drivers who use Bolt.

“Since shared mobility – including ride-hailing – has such a crucial role within the wider transport ecosystem during this time, and drivers registered on the Bolt platform naturally play a significant part in this, we thought it would be beneficial for both sides to expand the area in which they can access our valuable service in London.”

Bolt is launching in Southend, Gravesend, Woking, Crawley, Tilbury, Basildon, Epping, Redhill, Harlow, Sevenoaks, Stanford-leHope, Bishop’s Stortford, Reigate, Guildford, Billericay and Dorking

This follows a busy period for Bolt’s operations team in London, having launched the ‘ Pet’ category in September and the ability to schedule a ride in advance for all its passengers in October.

The former allows one passenger to request to bring two small pets – such as small to medium-sized dogs, cats, and other commonly recognised household pets – into the car.