What is “Bolt”? (Paris)
Sep 25th, 2019 | 11:28 PM
#1
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Joined: Nov 2008
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What is “Bolt”? (Paris)
Deciding how to travel to CDG from the 17th around 7:30 tomorrow morning. On the transportation app I use to estimate Uber/Lyft prices, the first thing that comes up for Paris is “Bolt” - there are a variety of Bolt types, then Uber, then LeCab. Bolt is 44€. is this a reliable company, and does the price sound “right”? What other choices do we have?
Sep 25th, 2019 | 11:45 PM
#2
Joined: Jun 2004
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Just take a cab from the airport. The fare is a fixed €50 to the left bank for up to four passengers and their luggage, and there is no need to tip. Do not accept offers within the airport, simply follow the signs to the regular cab rank. Also, at that time of the morning you may be in rush hour traffic. Regular taxis are allowed to drive in the bus lanes so can often make better time than Uber, etc., which are not allowed in those fast lanes.
Sep 26th, 2019 | 12:37 AM
#4
Joined: May 2007
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Bolt has formerly been named Taxify.
Like FreeNow (formerly named MyTaxi) it's basically just an app that lets you order a licensed cab.
Both companies operate across Europe, Bolt more in Eastern/Central Europe, and FreeNow more in Western Europe.
Their basic service is just to provide the possibility to order a licensed (!) cab with the app. And to pay with the app. And you see which taxi is coming to pick you up (number plate, name of driver, phone #).
So unlike Uber they work with existing taxi companies.
But they also offer more "Uber-like" services in some countries - so unless someone knows how Bolt operates in France, you cannot make a blanket statement what they do all over the continent.
Like FreeNow (formerly named MyTaxi) it's basically just an app that lets you order a licensed cab.
Both companies operate across Europe, Bolt more in Eastern/Central Europe, and FreeNow more in Western Europe.
Their basic service is just to provide the possibility to order a licensed (!) cab with the app. And to pay with the app. And you see which taxi is coming to pick you up (number plate, name of driver, phone #).
So unlike Uber they work with existing taxi companies.
But they also offer more "Uber-like" services in some countries - so unless someone knows how Bolt operates in France, you cannot make a blanket statement what they do all over the continent.
Sep 26th, 2019 | 01:58 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
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Yes, just take a taxi to the airport. You can call G-7 ahead of time (they have an English-speaking line if you need it); they will charge you a few euros for the pickup, and they will invariably arrive 5-10 minutes early. The fare to the airport is indeed fixed.
Sep 26th, 2019 | 11:55 PM
#6
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We took a taxi. FWIW, it was 54€, including the 4€ for the “call”. (I guess that’s not charged if you pick up the taxi on the street). Very comfortable, stress-free. It was a Mercedes SUV.
We happened by the airport bus stop yesterday, and it’s 19€ per person. So 38€ for the bus vs. 54€ for a taxi - no brainer!
We happened by the airport bus stop yesterday, and it’s 19€ per person. So 38€ for the bus vs. 54€ for a taxi - no brainer!
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Sep 27th, 2019 | 09:54 AM
#8
Joined: Apr 2007
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Bolt is a VTC (Voitures de transport avec chauffeur) just as are Uber and Kaptan. None of these are taxis, and VTCs may only pickup passengers using apps.
I no longer use VTCs for trips to the airports due to price surges which I have seen, on several occasions, as high as 100€ from Paris to CDG.
I now use Snapcar which I reserve days in advance with a set price, no price surges, and which cost less than taxis.
I no longer use VTCs for trips to the airports due to price surges which I have seen, on several occasions, as high as 100€ from Paris to CDG.
I now use Snapcar which I reserve days in advance with a set price, no price surges, and which cost less than taxis.
