Bolt comes to Amsterdam: How competitive is the local taxi market?

Getting around Amsterdam has always been about being a true Dutchie and grabbing a bike. After that people prefer using the amazing public transport in the city or across the country. But as Amsterdam is becoming more diverse and stretching its boundaries, the cab-hailing market is growing in the high tech city. 

Live in the Dutch capital

While local apps and Uber dominate the market, another one comes to the city. The Estonian ride-hailing company Bolt is now live in Amsterdam and Harlem to make urban transportation easier, faster, and more reliable. Bolt is one of the few mobility platforms that offer better prices for passengers and fairer earnings for drivers. 

50% discount on the first 10 rides (T&C applied) 

Already, hundreds of drivers are affiliated with Bolt in Amsterdam, where you can indicate your destination via the app, request a ride and board as soon as your driver has arrived. As a part of the celebration, all Bolt riders in Amsterdam will be able to enjoy their first 10 rides with a 50% discount. This promotion will run until 02.08.2020.

Pricing

Talking about the rates, the starting rate of a Bolt ride in Amsterdam is €1.40, the kilometre rate is €1.20, and the rate per minute is €0.26. The minimum ride price is €6. According to the company claims, Bolt operates efficiently and its drivers charge up to 50% less commission compared to the competition, both drivers and passengers get a better deal.

Lars Speekenbrink, operations manager Netherlands: “Satisfied drivers are crucial to us. We pay a lot of attention to providing the best income and we also work with different bonus models for our drivers. By taking this responsibility and efficiently organizing our business process, we achieve our ultimate goal: to deliver a reliable and inexpensive ride to the passenger. ”

In case, if you want to…!

The Bolt app is now available for download and available for iOS and Android. 

Nonetheless, it is interesting to see how Bolt chooses the pandemic as an ideal time to enter the city when users are avoiding public transport. At the same time, let’s take a look at the other ones which are conveniently available and will give a tough competition to Bolt. 

Uber

The San-Francisco-based ride-hailing company Uber established its international headquarters in Amsterdam back in 2012, second largest in the world. The company’s growth in Amsterdam has been phenomenal, thanks to the diversification of its service. 

Apart from the ride-sharing, the Venice of North is also home to Uber’s other services including Uber Eats, Uber Freight, and JUMP e-bikes as well. The Amsterdam office serves Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

ViaVan

Back in 2018, ViaVan the joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans announced the launch of its shared-ride service in Amsterdam. This is a perfect option for those who don’t mind carpooling. 

Through the app, passengers will be seamlessly matched in real-time with other riders headed their way, sharing their trip in a professionally-chauffeured vehicle. 

The on-demand platform serves as an extension of the city’s existing public transit network, providing an affordable and convenient transportation alternative that reduces congestion and carbon emissions.

TCA taxi 

TCA taxi has been in Amsterdam for more than 60 years now with 4.5 million passengers, and 1,500 drivers. Due to the wide distribution of drivers across the city, TCA guarantees that there will always be a taxi at your doorstep within 5 minutes. 

Recently, the taxi platform introduced fixed fares post the survey among about 700 Amsterdammers. As per the company, the rides ordered via the app will have a fixed price agreed in advance.

Sixt Ride

SIXT ride is the ride service platform providing professional transfer service for private and business customers as well as on-demand taxi and ride-hailing services worldwide.

What do you guys think about the move made by Tallinn-based Bolt to expand their service amid this COVID-19 pandemic? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image credit: Bolt