00:00The firm behind a fleet of e-bikes and scooters is expanding its presence in Liverpool with a new ride
00:07-hailing service.
00:08Estonian company Bolt, which launched 2,000 e-scooters across the city in February, is now expanding its offer to
00:16include private cars similar to taxis.
00:19As part of its Bolt Flex programme, the firm will allow passengers to access the new service through the existing
00:25app.
00:26Riders and drivers will also be able to propose their own price and agree the fare for a journey directly.
00:32When the active travel service launched in February, Liverpool was selected as the first location in the UK to receive
00:38Bolt's solar-assisted shared e-bikes,
00:41each fitted with an integrated solar panel to extend battery life.
00:45This allowed users to access vehicles in the south of the city for the first time.
00:49The new scheme marks a departure from the model that has defined ride-hailing for more than a decade.
00:56Where fare is a calculated buy-in app and presented to riders and drivers as a fixed price.
01:01Bolt Flex suggests a starting price and gives both sides a say in the final amount.
01:07Riders can offer less if they're willing to wait longer for a match or offer more to improve their chances
01:13of a quicker pickup.
01:15Drivers can accept the offer or counter with a different price, with the journey confirmed once both sides agree.
01:22The scheme is already up and running in Knowsley alongside Chester, Greater Manchester and other major UK cities.
