Bolt looks set to launch in Preston after council approves new operating base

Bolt looks set to launch in Preston after council approves new operating base

Uber’s main ride-hailing rival Bolt has been given permission to open a bureau near the Dock Estate in the Lancashire city of Preston.

Bolt currently operates in 18 cities in the UK including London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle and Manchester.

Uber does not have a direct operation in Preston. Instead it operates indirectly through its Local Cab system. A number of established private hire firms have signed up, including Ashton Allied Cabs, New City Taxis and Brownhill Corporate Hire.

Bolt Services UK Ltd has been granted a Certificate of Lawfulness to open its base in Preston, changing offices in Unit 5 of Albert Edward House near the docks into a private hire licensed operating centre. In its application Bolt said the office would not have radio masts, flashing lights, signage or waiting rooms for customers and drivers, vehicles, counter services or large numbers of visitors.

A spokesperson said: “The office will be used for administrative purposes and to provide access to Bolt’s driver, vehicle and booking records, which are held digitally. It will also be used to provide access to its cloud-based technology, which automatically accepts and allocates bookings.”

The office will be used during normal office hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Bolt expects less than one visitor to the office per month and the premises will not be accessible by the public. There will be no passengerdriver interactions held at the unit, nor will there be any cars on site waiting, or private hire vehicles registered to this address.