‘DELUDED’: Union shows anger at Bolt for wide gap in price between minicab and black cab services

A private hire vehicle (PHV) union has called operators Bolt ‘DELUDED’ after comparing fare prices between minicabs and black cabs working on the app.

Bolt officially launched their ‘Bolt Black Cab’ option last month which allows app users to book a London taxi for the first time on their platform.

Onboarding for the ‘Bolt Black Cab’ began back in March, with the operator offering several unique incentives to cabbies.

Bolt have previously focused heavily on offering PHV services to up to 4 million signed-up passengers in the UK and millions worldwide. Bolt are seen as one of the biggest global mobility firms operating in 45 countries and over 500 cities worldwide.

The App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) are however unhappy at the rates offered to drivers when comparing minicab and taxi services.

In a shared screenshot, the price of a PHV ride from St Pancras to Heathrow was quoted at £34.30. The same ride in a licensed black cab was quoted at a metered price between £68.10 and £95.70.

The ADCU said they ‘would not stand for it’ when it comes to lower rate of pay.

An ADCU spokesperson said via the tweet: “If Bolt App thinks private hire drivers should accept pay at rates 50-65% lower than black cabs for the same work they are deluded. We won't stand for it.”

Taxi drivers on Bolt receive the metered amount and the passenger pays a £2 booking fee for the service. PHV Bolt drivers must pay a commission set between 15-20%.