Popular ride-hailing platform Bolt has expanded its service to Wokingham and Bracknell.
The move comes in time for the busy festive period during which the company expects business in its existing London base to increase by as much as 15%.
The launch into 17 additional locations comes after demand for the service has already increased during the increasingly dark, cold and wet days of October and November.
In addition to the expected increased demand as a result of the festivities, the Estonia-headquartered firm is anticipating the offer being popular since many local customers have either opened the app prior to the expansion, or finished their ride in the region having started their journey in the company’s existing London operating area.
Bolt said it took the step of launching in Wokingham and Bracknell to further increase the earning potential and flexibility enjoyed by drivers registered with the Bolt platform. It allows drivers who reside in the expanded operating area to pick up passengers on their commute to or from London.
The launches also mean rides can start from more public transport hubs like train and bus stations, including at Wokingham and Bracknell railway stations. They are typically the most popular pick-up and drop-off spots throughout the year, with this only increasing during the holiday season due to travel to friends, family, and local businesses.
Deborah Meijer, head of operations for Bolt in London, said: “The run-up to Christmas is a busy time for everyone, including passengers and drivers who use Bolt.
“Since shared mobility – including ride-hailing – has such a crucial role within the wider transport ecosystem during this time, and drivers registered on the Bolt platform naturally play a significant part in this, we thought it would be beneficial for both sides to expand the area in which they can access our valuable service in London.”
Bolt is launching its ride-hailing service in Southend, Gravesend, Woking, Crawley, Tilbury, Basildon, Epping, Redhill, Harlow, Sevenoaks, Stanford-le-Hope, Bishop’s Stortford, Reigate, Guildford, Billericay and Dorking, in addition to Wokingham and Bracknell.
This follows a busy period for Bolt’s operations team in London, having launched the ‘Pet’ category in September and the ability to schedule a ride in advance for all its passengers in October.
The former allows one passenger to request to bring two small pets – such as small to medium-sized dogs, cats, and other commonly recognised household pets – into the car.
The latter allows passengers to schedule a ride and lock in a price 72 hours in advance.
