Ridesharing service Bolt initiates operations in Auckland, aiming to compete with Uber.
In a move set to shake up the ride-hailing landscape, Bolt has officially launched its service in Auckland, New Zealand. The company, which operates in over 600 cities across 50 countries, is promising to help Kiwis move around cities more affordably and efficiently.
Bolt's service includes a range of safety features, such as live location sharing, trusted contacts, and ride tracking. A dedicated in-house safety team is available 24/7 on the platform. "Safety is central to Bolt's strategy in the ride-hailing market," Adam Muirson, Bolt's New Zealand General Manager, stated.
The Bolt app is now live in Auckland, with potential expansion to other New Zealand cities if the launch proves successful. For drivers, Bolt offers flexible schedules, round-the-clock local support, and a commission structure aimed at boosting take-home pay.
Muirson expressed Bolt's ethos to turn the traditional approach to city planning on its head. "For decades, cities have been built for cars, not people," he noted. This approach is reflected in Bolt's aim to be the go-to transport solution in a city where parking lots outnumber public parks.
The launch of Bolt's service marks the first serious challenge to Uber in Auckland. Younger residents in Auckland are delaying or skipping their driver's licenses in favor of shared mobility options, and Aucklanders are increasingly questioning the need for private vehicles due to rising costs and worsening urban congestion.
Bolt is also offering a lower-commission model to drivers to help them earn more. The company has not disclosed specific rollout plans beyond Auckland at this time.
As Bolt aims to rewrite the rulebook in the ride-hailing market, it remains to be seen how it will impact the transportation landscape in Auckland and beyond. One thing is certain: competition is heating up in the ride-hailing world, and consumers are the ultimate beneficiaries.
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