- Strong operation after just two months in Auckland has Bolt considering local expansion.
- The company has increased its total rider sign-ups by almost 600 percent since June.
- Bolt operates in more than 600 cities across 50 countries and has more than 200 million customers.
Thanks to strong early performance following its initial launch in Auckland, global shared mobility platform Bolt says it is now looking ahead to future expansion in other New Zealand cities, including Christchurch and Wellington.
Just two months after launching in New Zealand, the company says it is seeing a big surge in both driver sign-ups and rider demand. According to the company, since its launch in mid-June this year, it has grown its number of driver partners by more than 350 percent, increased its total rider sign-ups by almost 600 percent and increased its number of weekly rides by around 200 percent, as well as introducing new initiatives not offered by rivals here.
Bolt also reports that the longest trip taken in one of its cars so far has been 225km, while the most popular day to travel is Saturday, with peak times at 4pm and 11pm. Given that it is currently still only operating in Auckland, it comes as no surprise that its most common pick-up and drop-off point is central Auckland.
“New Zealanders have made it clear they want a service that is affordable and reliable. In just eight weeks, thousands of drivers and tens of thousands of riders have chosen Bolt, and we’re only just getting started,” said Bolt New Zealand Country Manager, Adam Muirson.
"Our lower commission rates mean more take-home pay for drivers and our competitive pricing means more Aucklanders can get where they need to be for better prices. The momentum we’ve seen so far sets us up for long-term growth in New Zealand."
Bolt entered Auckland in June claiming it would be the most driver-friendly and rider-affordable alternative in the market and Muirson says that many of its driver partners have expressed how pleased they are with the commission structure as well as with the company's local team looking after driver support, something he says drivers haven’t had in New Zealand "for a long while".
Globally, Bolt operates in more than 600 cities across 50 countries and has more than 200 million customers.