Uber rival Bolt launches in Birmingham and Wolverhampton as competition heats up
Bolt - one of the UK’s largest ride-hailing apps - is coming to Birmingham and Wolverhampton, in the next stage of its regional expansion. As one of the fastest growing mobility platforms in the world, with 50 million users globally, it launched its ride-hailing service in both cities on 16 June. The service will also be available in Solihull and Walsall, extending into Dudley and Sandwell in the next few weeks.
Bolt first launched in London in 2019, and Birmingham and Wolverhampton are the latest pieces of its expansion puzzle across the UK, having recently launched in Leicester and Milton Keynes. The ride-hailing app is now aiming to expand to ten cities by the end of the year, whilst Birmingham will become the home of Bolt’s regional hub, overseeing operations in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Milton Keynes and Peterborough, with more cities to follow.
With the recent announcement from the Prime Minister that social distancing measures are likely to stay in place for a while longer, the company say its arrival in the region offers residents a “safe and secure way” of getting around the city while adhering to ongoing COVID regulations.
Sam Raciti, General Manager - UK at Bolt, said: “Bolt’s launch in Birmingham and Wolverhampton complements the council’s commitment to sustainability as a 100% carbon-neutral service.
“The implementation of the Clean Air Zone shouldn’t stop Brummies moving around their city freely. Whether it’s travelling home from university, a night out in Digbeth or some retail therapy at the Bullring, Birmingham is a natural home for Bolt’s safe, easy and affordable approach to transport.”
