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Bolt Tests Driver Price-Bidding in Nine UK Cities as VAT on Private-Hire Fares Is Weighed

Bolt frames the trial as a way to safeguard driver income if fares face a new tax.

Overview

  • The company is trialling a 'Bolt Flex' feature that lets drivers set trip prices or accept passenger offers in cities including Sheffield, Newcastle and Cardiff.
  • The test covers nine UK cities and is not running in London due to Transport for London regulations.
  • Bolt points to reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a 20% VAT on private-hire fares ahead of Wednesday’s autumn Budget.
  • Early figures cited by Bolt say drivers on Flex report over 25% higher earnings and about 14% more orders per hour with only minimal overall fare increases, which have not been independently verified.
  • Bolt says Flex uses a flat commission per trip and could be rolled out more widely in the UK and potentially overseas subject to results and regulatory constraints.