Bolt continues expansion as it prepares for Southampton launch

Image credit : Bolt

Ride-hailing app Bolt is launching in Southampton ahead of the long weekend, with its service going live from Wednesday 13 April.

Bolt says its launch will offer an “alternative mode of transport for residents of one of the UK's most exciting cities, while helping them make the most of the local sights and attractions”.

Bolt currently has more than 65,000 drivers and four million passengers across the country, as it competes with other hailing apps such as Uber, as well as traditional taxi services.

Having launched in nearby south coast city Portsmouth in the latter half of 2021, Bolt is continuing its expansion across the country. Bolt say if drivers sign up before 20 April, they will pay 7.5% commission for the first month, rising to 15% after that.

Founded in 2013, Bolt runs its ride-hailing services in 17 cities across the UK and is keen to launch some of its other products within the app this year.

Josh Ryan, Country Manager, UK Rides at Bolt, said: “Our latest launch in Southampton is hugely exciting for us as it adds another community to our south coast services. We’re committed to offering passengers a great service, as well as drivers the most competitive commission rates.

“Bolt’s mission is to make cities work better for the people that live in them, keeping residents connected to the places and people they love. We hope to be a great addition to the local community helping everyone get around: whether it's getting Saints fans to games, students to nightclubs and home, and holidaymakers to and from the airport.”

Following other recent launches across the UK in Portsmouth, Bristol, Bath and Cardiff, Bolt’s latest expansion on the south coast takes the ride-hailing app a step closer to being available in at least 20 UK cities by the end of the year.