Bolt UK Driver Newsletter

Bolt Driver Newsletter March 2024

Welcome to the Bolt Driver newsletter! Every month we will update you with the latest news, developments and changes to help you earn more, stay safe, and make the most out of your Bolt Driver App. This month's focus will be on councils based in the West Midlands.

🔘 The button we hope you'll never need

In the event of an emergency while on a journey, you will find the ‘Emergency Assist’ button within the Safety Toolkit located at the top right hand side of your Bolt Driver App. First, there will be a short countdown after which it will immediately connect you to the emergency services for a phone call.

A notification will be automatically created within Bolt’s internal system which our safety team monitors. We will then follow up with a call to see if you need further assistance.

Passengers have an emergency button via the Bolt Rider App, which follows the same steps as the Driver emergency button.

Further information on other safety features is available here

🕵🏻‍♂️ Lost-and-found guide to West Midlands

During the Birmingham Driver Forum held recently, we received feedback that you would like more information about lost property. The table below explains what drivers from West Midlands councils must do when they find lost property in their vehicle.

📍 Where is the Bolt Birmingham Hub?

You can visit the Hub to get help with anything Bolt related, this can range from uploading documents, changing cars, collecting signage, or App queries. The Hub is open Monday to Thursday between 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

The Hub is located at 22 Gas Street, B1 2JT. We are next door to the Coconut Tree Restaurant. Paid parking is available.

Book your appointment here: https://tinyurl.com/BoltBham

Directions:

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uhRwkqvbcvshWWcS8

What3Words: https://w3w.co/sunset.dock.desks

⏳ Wait time and cancellation fee updates

From now on for drivers outside of London:

Passenger free wait time

Passengers have 3 minutes (instead of 2) of free wait time.

Free cancellation period

If passengers cancel a ride request later than 3 minutes (instead of 4) after booking a trip, they'll be charged a cancellation fee.

For London drivers, nothing changes.

You can see a full breakdown of changes for all categories here.

🎉 Fewer long pickup rides for everyone!

As you requested, we're prioritising ride requests from nearby passengers so you can complete more trips and spend less time driving between pickup locations. This update will help us ensure shorter ETAs and fewer cancellations.

If you have any questions, please email us at uk-driver@bolt.eu or send us an in-app message.

🔞 Unaccompanied children

You highlighted during forums that you were unsure about what to do when unaccompanied children book a ride, or an adult books a ride for them.

Please note: children and teenagers under 18 can only travel with an adult accompanying them. Drivers can reject an order requested by somebody under 18. If you feel a child is in danger and feel that out of concern for their safety it would be better to complete a trip, then you can do so. More information about Bolt’s Child Safety Policy can be found here.

Please visit this link to learn more about child exploitation in regards to County Lines.

🚘 Bolt Comfort launch!

The Comfort category has launched in a number of UK cities. If your vehicle model year is newer than 2014, and the model is on our approved vehicle list, — you will be automatically added to the Comfort category.

The new Comfort category provides the opportunity to earn extra since fares are priced higher. But if you would like to opt-out, you can do so at any time.

To opt out:

Open the Bolt Driver app;
Tap the car icon on the main screen;
Untick the Bolt Comfort category

Learn more about the category

🧮 A pension scheme, finally!

Bolt, in conjunction with Aviva will be launching a pension scheme for all UK Bolt PHV drivers.

From 1 May, Aviva will launch an exclusive pension scheme for Bolt partner drivers — you invest 5% of your earnings, and Bolt adds 3% more.

You can learn more about it on one of 2 webinars hosted by Aviva in April. Please register here.