Ride-hailing platform Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, has reached a significant milestone in the UK with 9 million passengers and 100,000 drivers signed up across 19 cities. To cope with the growing demand, the company has relocated its driver hub in London to a more central location in Bermondsey.
Bolt has also achieved impressive results on a global scale, surpassing 150 million customers in over 45 countries and 500 cities. Over 3.5 million partners, including drivers and couriers, now use the app to earn a living, with more than 1 million in Africa alone.
The new driver hub in Bermondsey, conveniently located near Borough Underground station and London Bridge national rail station, replaces the previous hub in Chiswick. The move was prompted by feedback from drivers and the need to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and drivers using Bolt’s services.
The popularity of Bolt’s services in London continues to soar, particularly after the launch of its dedicated Black Cab category earlier this year. An interesting survey conducted by the company revealed that half of Londoners experience anxiety when driving their own private cars in the city center.
Debbie Meijer, Senior Operations Manager for Bolt in London, expressed her enthusiasm about the company’s growth and success. She emphasized the importance of providing a convenient and seamless travel experience for both drivers and passengers, making the new centrally located hub a logical step forward.
In addition to its expansion in London, Bolt has undertaken a project called Make Cities for People, which highlights the transformation of European cities into safer, greener, and more livable places. This initiative was inspired by Bolt’s research, which discovered that more than a quarter of Londoners feel negatively impacted by the amount of street space occupied by private cars.
The recent news of Mikko Salovaara being named CFO adds to Bolt’s positive trajectory. The company expects to achieve company-wide profitability in the next year and plans to go public by 2025. Salovaara will be based in London, further solidifying the city’s position as a key hub for Bolt.
As Bolt continues to expand and adapt to meet the needs of its growing customer base, the new driver hub in Bermondsey represents a step forward in providing efficient and convenient services to drivers and passengers alike. With its commitment to sustainability and enhancing the urban environment, Bolt is poised to continue its upward trajectory as a leading player in the ride-hailing industry.
In conclusion, Bolt’s milestones in the UK and globally signify the growing demand for its services. The relocation of the driver hub in London and the appointment of a new CFO demonstrate Bolt’s commitment to meeting the needs of both drivers and passengers. With its focus on sustainability and making cities more livable, Bolt is well-positioned for further success in the ride-hailing market.
