Uber rival Bolt to launch in Newcastle this week as part of UK expansion

Image credit: Bolt

Ride-hailing firm Bolt is to launch in Newcastle as part of the next stage of its regional UK expansion. The fast growing mobility platform with millions of glabal users, is launching its service in Newcastle city centre on Wednesday.

Bolt will be aiming to help the city residents get around at a time when restrictions are eased and the hospitality and nightlife sectors come alive again.

Following its recent launch in Birmingham last month, Newcastle is the next step in the ride-hailing app’s aim to expand to ten UK cities by the end of the year.

With transport solutions in the spotlight thanks to the Northeast Transport Plan, ride-hailing is being plugged as an alternative to car ownership by Bolt.

Bolt has more than 50 million users in over 40 countries across Europe and Africa. Its services range from ride-hailing to micromobility with e-scooters and electric bikes to food and parcel delivery.

Sam Raciti, Bolt’s UK General Manager, said: “There’s a lot of pent-up demand for spending and socialising, so I'm thrilled we’re ready to go-live in Newcastle just as the final Covid restrictions are eased. Our mission is all about connecting people to places and moments in real life and we can’t wait to get people moving around the city again so they can rediscover and reconnect with Tyneside’s famous nightlife.”