Bolt-commissioned survey: Multi-fleet drivers seek regulatory easing for multi-platform cooperation

Central News Agency (Taipei, 26th) European ride-hailing brand Bolt has entered the Taiwan market. Tseng Hsien-hung, General Manager of Bolt Taiwan, cited survey results today stating that multi-fleet taxi drivers support regulatory easing and hope to open up cooperation across multiple platforms and fleets. Tseng pointed out that Bolt respects Taiwan's regulatory framework and values ongoing dialogue with authorities and industry stakeholders.

Bolt held a sharing session this afternoon on the trend of multi-platform cooperation in the ride-hailing industry. Tseng cited a survey commissioned by Bolt from Taiwan Trend Research, noting that Taiwanese multi-fleet taxi drivers highly value work flexibility, and income from digital ride-hailing platforms has become an important economic source for many families.

According to the survey results cited by Bolt, nearly 90% of drivers support easing current regulations, hoping to join multiple fleets or platforms simultaneously in the future to improve dispatch flexibility and income stability. Drivers are not seeking exclusive partnerships; they hope to obtain more stable income and greater flexibility without being restricted to a single platform.

Tseng analyzed that while it is common for taxi drivers in Taiwan to take orders from multiple platforms, it remains a gray area under current regulations. Whether for multi-fleet taxis or traditional taxis, drivers can only join a single fleet and use the ride-hailing platform partnered with that specific fleet.

Tseng stated that although traditional taxis can still increase other income channels through street hailing, more passengers are using mobile apps, leading to a decline in street-hailing revenue. If order volume on a single platform is low or the system fails, drivers cannot switch platforms even if there is demand elsewhere, which harms driver income and lengthens passenger waiting times, failing to create a win-win situation.

Tseng pointed out that in Singapore and most European markets, drivers are allowed to take orders from different platforms once they hold a professional license. Bolt's position is to respect Taiwan's regulatory framework and value ongoing dialogue with authorities and industry stakeholders.

Bolt officially launched its digital ride-hailing service in Taiwan in September 2025, covering the Greater Taipei area. Services are currently available in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, and Taoyuan City. Tseng stated that Bolt is currently cooperating with three fleets in the north, with over 1,000 drivers participating in the platform. Bolt aims to stabilize operations in the Greater Taipei area before considering expansion into central and southern markets.