Bolt driver flexibility central to private hire allure, reveals report
Updated: Dec 16, 2024
In Bolt’s recently released “Global Driver Economic Report” it shed light on some of the key reasons why drivers are gravitating toward ride-hailing platforms like Bolt.
Among the findings, flexibility featured highly as a primary allure, shaping not just how drivers work but also influencing the wider urban mobility landscape.
Bolt’s research, which surveyed over 40,000 drivers across 25 countries, underscores that flexibility is the cornerstone of the ride-hailing economy. On average, drivers commit 18 hours a week, with the freedom to choose when and where they work cited as the primary motivator. For many, this adaptability is more than a perk; it was seen as a necessity. The report reveals that 62% of drivers use this flexibility to juggle caregiving responsibilities, while 76% of those with secondary jobs or studies credit their ability to work around their schedules as the key reason for driving.
In Europe, the importance of flexibility is high. Over half of drivers reported they would reduce their hours if forced into fixed schedules or specific locations. Meanwhile, 43% noted they would drive less if their earnings were shifted from weekly to monthly payments.
This flexibility-driven model is not without its challenges. Multi-apping, where drivers use multiple ride-hailing platforms to maximise income, is becoming a standard practice. In France and Portugal, for example, over 80% of drivers use more than one app to secure rides and boost earnings.
The preference for autonomy extends to earnings and benefits. Many drivers favour receiving higher upfront income over platform-provided benefits like pensions or health insurance. In the UK, Bolt’s “Boost” programme, offering optional benefits such as holiday pay, saw mixed reactions, with 47% of drivers preferring the status quo of low commission rates and self-employment.
Flexibility also plays a broader role in urban mobility. Bolt’s report highlights how ride-hailing services are reshaping cities, reducing the reliance on private vehicles. By aligning their work schedules with personal needs, drivers contribute to a growing shift in attitudes toward car ownership, particularly among younger urbanites. For cities, this transition could ease congestion and support the integration of multi-modal transport systems.
