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Bolt becomes exclusive ride-hailing partner for 16 UK music venues
Bolt has become the exclusive ride-hailing partner for 16 music and live entertainment venues operated by Academy Music Group and Live Nation across the UK.
The partnership, which began on 17 September, covers prominent venues including O2 Academy Brixton, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, O2 Apollo Manchester, Edinburgh Corn Exchange and Cardiff International Arena, which trades as Utilita Arena Cardiff.
Bolt said the agreement would provide concertgoers with another travel option when arriving at and leaving venues, particularly during the concentrated period immediately after performances. Large numbers of passengers requesting journeys simultaneously can create operational pressure for ride-hailing platforms and licensed drivers serving entertainment districts.
Research cited by Academy Music Group found that three-quarters of fans travel up to 49 miles to attend a show, while 42% use private cars. The findings were taken from Live Nation UK venue surveys conducted across four waves during 2024 and 2025.
Separate polling commissioned by Bolt found that 57% of people aged 18 to 24 would go out more often if travelling home were easier. The proportion was 49% among those aged 25 to 34 and 31% across all adults surveyed.
The figures form part of Bolt’s wider focus on the night-time economy. More than one in four Bolt journeys in the UK take place between 6pm and 6am, according to the operator.
Academy Music Group welcomed 2.7 million people to its venues during 2025. The partnership gives Bolt direct access to a substantial audience of customers requiring transport at predictable times and locations, while potentially generating additional demand for private hire drivers working evening and late-night shifts.
Katie Mack, Head of Partnerships at Academy Music Group, said: “Millions of fans make their journeys to O2 Academy venues every year, across the breadth of the UK to see the shows they love. Getting home safely and easily is just as much a part of that experience as the gig itself, and by partnering with Bolt across our venues, we’re giving fans even more ways to get to and from the nights that matter most.”
Kimberly Hurd, Senior General Manager at Bolt, said: “A great night out should feel seamless from the first song to the journey home. Getting home is part of the decision to go out in the first place. By partnering with Academy Music Group, we’re giving fans a convenient way home and supporting the venues that bring people together.”
Bolt will offer first-time customers discounts on their first three journeys as part of the launch. A social media competition will also offer tickets to a selected O2 Academy performance and £100 in Bolt ride credit.
The participating venues are O2 Apollo Manchester, O2 Academy Birmingham, O2 Academy Bristol, O2 Academy Brixton, Edinburgh Corn Exchange, O2 Forum Kentish Town, O2 Institute Birmingham, O2 Academy Islington, O2 Academy Leicester, O2 Academy Liverpool, O2 City Hall Newcastle, O2 Ritz Manchester, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, O2 Guildhall Southampton, O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester and Utilita Arena Cardiff.
