Uber and FreeNow rival Bolt begins services in Ireland

Image credit: Bolt

Uber and FreeNow ride-hailing rival, Bolt, is entering the Irish market today (3 December) at 2pm, continuing its global expansion.

The company says it is launching during a difficult period for drivers and is “only charging taxi drivers 10% commission”, which they say is less than all other competitors in the market. According to Bolt, over 1,000 taxi drivers in Ireland have already signed up to the driver platform.

Luke Mackey, Country Manager for Bolt Ireland, said: “With the Irish economy reopening gradually this week, it is crucial to provide a safe and responsible way for people to move around.

“The arrival of Bolt will support the renewal of our urban economies as well as introducing choice and fairness in a taxi market that needs competition. We will do that by providing perks to taxi users and putting more money in drivers' pockets, with lower commission and more transparency."

The company has confirmed that all Bolt trips in Europe are 100% carbon-neutral, as part of Bolt’s Green Plan, a long-term commitment to reduce the ecological footprint of the company.

Customers in Ireland can order taxis via the Bolt app, with options including Bolt Shield, where the car has a protective shield, and Bolt Green, for a hybrid or electric taxi. In Ireland, 33% of cars on the Bolt platform are hybrid or electric, and over 66% have protective shields, with these numbers set to rise, a spokesperson for the firm said.