Bolt x Academy Music Group: Official Ride-Hailing Partner 🎸

Bolt has entered into a partnership with Academy Music Group, and Bolt branding will feature at 16 of its venues. October is packed with concerts across the city, and historically periods after large events have seen increased passenger demand in the areas around venues, especially after shows end.

Some information you may find useful:

The app demand map gives a live view of activity across the city, so you can decide for yourself where and when you want to be available. Based on past data, post-show periods tend to see a spike in ride requests, typically in the 30 to 60 minutes after shows end. Waiting a short distance from venues rather than directly outside can sometimes mean shorter overall wait times.

Check out what is coming up this month:  academymusicgroup.com/our-venues

Moving to worker status

We recently communicated to you regarding Bolt Standard moving to worker status through an email. Below, you will find a reminder of what we told you before.

From 30 November 2026, drivers who accept the Worker Terms and use Bolt Standard will operate under Bolt’s new Worker model, giving you specific rights and entitlements. These include National Living Wage, statutory entitlement to paid holiday, statutory worker protections, and automatic enrolment into a pension scheme for eligible drivers. National Living Wage top-ups and holiday pay have been available through Bolt Boost since August 2024.

What stays the same

The core way you use Bolt Standard will stay the same. You can still choose when to go online and when to stop, with no minimum hours, and you can keep using other ride-hailing platforms. The move to worker status will not change how Bolt Standard drivers are treated for tax purposes.  

 Pension auto-enrolment

As part of the transition to the Bolt Standard Worker model, drivers who meet the relevant eligibility criteria will be automatically enrolled in a pension scheme. You will have the option to opt out if you want to. We’ll share more information about the pension scheme, including the eligibility criteria and contribution rates, in the coming weeks. If you previously opted into Bolt’s existing voluntary pension scheme, we sent you a separate email explaining what will change for you.

What happens next?

From 30 November 2026, the new Worker Terms will be visible in the Bolt app and you’ll need to accept them  before you can continue using Bolt Standard from 30 November 2026.

We’ll provide more information about the new terms and the steps you need to take before the change takes effect.

Read our FAQs

Oxford Street closing to traffic from 26 October

From Monday 26 October, Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street (including Oxford Circus) will be closed to buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, bicycles, scooters and pedicabs. 

What this means for you:

• Some pick-up and drop-off points in the area may move. 

• Expect diversions and busier surrounding streets, so allow extra time.

• Check the pick-up point shown in the Bolt app for each trip.

• Please don’t enter the restricted section, and follow all road signs.

More info: [TfL link]

Making Tax Digital is coming

An important update for driver partners

The deadline for sole traders and landlords with a turnover above £50,000 to send quarterly updates for Making Tax Digital is 7 November. Check HMRC’s guide to get ready today or speak to your agent if you have one.

https://makingtaxdigital.campaign.gov.uk/quarterly-updates

Spot the signs of county lines exploitation

As a Bolt driver partner, you spend long hours on the road and may notice things others don’t. County lines drug networks use taxis and private hire vehicles to move drugs, money and people, so drivers are an important part of keeping communities safe.

Watch for:

• Requests to avoid police or take unusual routes

• Large cash payments, or extra money offered for secrecy

• Repeat trips to the same address

• Someone else directing the trip, or a passenger who seems frightened or controlled

If something feels wrong:

• Put your safety first.

• End the trip if you reasonably suspect illegal activity.

• Report it to the police or your local licensing authority. You don’t need proof, as reasonable suspicion is enough.

• In an emergency, call 999.

• Let Bolt know through [Bolt reporting route / Driver Support link].

Sources:

• NCLCC driver guidance: [link to PDF]

• The Children’s Society #LookCloser: [link]

• Barnardo’s, criminal exploitation of children: [link]