Bolt’s Black Cab Expansion: Tribunal report reveals nearly 600 taxi drivers have joined the app
Bolt, the app-based transportation company, launched its ‘Bolt Black Cab’ service in April 2023, making it possible for London passengers to book traditional black taxis through the Bolt app for the first time.
As of August 2024, 583 licensed black cab drivers are signed up to provide this service via the Bolt platform, according to recent tribunal data.
Bolt began onboarding black cab drivers in March 2023, offering various incentives to encourage participation. By connecting London’s iconic black cabs with Bolt’s platform, the service offers a potentially broader reach and convenience for passengers familiar with app-based ride-hailing.
In line with Transport for London (TfL) regulations, fares for these black cab trips are determined by the taxi’s taximeter. Bolt users can see an estimated fare displayed in the app before booking, but the final amount charged will be based on the taximeter reading. A £2 online booking fee is also added to each trip, aligning the service’s pricing structure with industry norms.
The integration of black cabs onto the Bolt app was seen as a controversial step within the taxi industry at the time of launch. However, the strategic move was put in place to expand options for users and give black cab drivers access to an established digital platform for passenger bookings.
