Uber rival Bolt sets up new hub in West London, shows higher profitability in just 6 months

Bolt, the leading European on-demand transportation platform, today unveiled a new hub for drivers in Chiswick, west London. As per the company claims, passenger numbers have surged to more than 1.5 million in six months, five times the three-month figure.

The hub provides a permanent and convenient location for current and prospective drivers to meet members of Bolt’s customer service team in-person to ensure their experience is as quick and seamless as possible. There are 50 parking spaces, meeting rooms, a reception, and a lounge area. Space will also be used to host events and forums.

It is designed to bring Bolt closer to its drivers while providing them with useful services, all under one roof. By charging drivers only 15% commission, Bolt has accepted more than 30,000 onto its platform in London since launching in June this year. In the case of discounts and promotions are used, Bolt compensates drivers for lost revenue.

All drivers undergo background checks and driver training before being allowed onto the Bolt platform. The Bolt app includes trust-building features that reveal the driver’s photo, name, vehicle type, and registration, as well as the driver’s rating, so passengers know who their drivers are before getting in the car.

Last month, Bolt announced the launch of an XL category, which gives customers access to larger capacity vehicles, typically SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles.

For the initiated, Bolt is one of the fastest-growing ride-hailing businesses in the world and has grown to serve more than 30 million customers across 150+ cities in more than 35 countries. It is also the largest ride-hailing operator in Europe to offer carbon-neutral rides.

Sam Raciti, Bolt UK Country Manager, said:

Our new London driver hub allows us to offer a better and more personal service. Mirroring our driver-focused company ethos, we consulted drivers during the planning stage. The feedback we received suggested drivers wanted the hub located somewhere outside the London congestion zone, with good access to the M25, M4 and Heathrow, and easily accessible from a thoroughfare. Chiswick was the perfect location to meet these criteria. Now, we look forward to welcoming drivers on a daily basis and helping them to get the most out of the Bolt platform.

Main image credit: Bolt

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