Should You Use Uber, Bolt, and FREENOW Simultaneously
Many PCO drivers rely on a single platform to get ride requests. However, no single app provides constant work throughout the day. It is possible Uber will see high driver demand in the morning. Bolt might surge in the afternoon, while FREENOW may offer airport jobs when you are waiting between city rides.
Using just one app can leave you waiting at times. The time you spend waiting should be the time you are earning, especially if you have to meet your PCO car hire payment deadlines. Fortunately, it’s possible when you use multiple apps simultaneously.
Before you start downloading these apps, you need to know the pros and cons of the multi-app strategy. In this article, we will guide you on how to make the best choice for your work.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- Benefits of using multiple apps
- Potential challenges
- When to use the multi-app strategy
- Best practices for using multiple apps
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Benefits of Using Multiple Apps
There are many benefits of using multiple apps simultaneously, including:
Higher Earning Potential
More apps mean more trip requests and a better chance of catching surge pricing. Uber might have a 1.2x multiplier in one area. Bolt could have a 1.5x surge just a mile away. You can choose the most profitable opportunities as they become available.
Also, dead time between rides affects your earnings. With multiple apps, you fill those gaps and keep moving.
More Freedom and Flexibility
You can switch apps based on real-time demand. For instance, if Uber is slow in your area, check the Bolt heat map or see if FREENOW has any demand alerts. You can react to the market instantly instead of being stuck in a slow zone. This flexibility also helps you avoid less profitable trips. You can decline a ride through the Congestion Charge zone and choose a different trip on another app to avoid the daily £15 charge.
Better Trip Variety
Different apps usually serve different markets. Uber might dominate with tourists and general city trips. Bolt may be popular with budget-conscious locals, while FREENOW usually has more pre-booked rides and airport transfers. Using them all gives you a mixed portfolio of jobs.
This variety helps your income, as you are not dependent on one type of passenger. A slow day for city trips might be a busy day for airport runs.
Protection Against App Downtime
Servers crash, and software can glitch. App outages are an unavoidable part of this job. These outages affect your ability to earn because you can no longer connect with passengers and receive trips.
A multi-app strategy solves this problem. If one app goes down, you can switch to another app to keep working. This protection offers you peace of mind, knowing that technical issues will not ruin your day.
Also Read: Useful Apps Every PCO Driver Should Have
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Potential Challenges of Multi-App Strategy
Using multiple apps also has some challenges, such as:
Overlapping Jobs
The biggest challenge of this strategy is that you risk getting two ride requests at the same time. You get a Bolt request, and a second later, an Uber request comes in. You now have to cancel one of them.
Cancellations affect your score on the platform. All companies monitor cancellation rates, and drivers with a high cancellation rate can have their accounts deactivated.
Stress and Distraction
Multi-apping adds mental load. Your brain constantly switches focus between apps to make quick decisions about which trip to accept. This cognitive load can affect your focus, which can be dangerous when driving.
When the Multi-App Strategy Makes Sense
Here are some situations where using multiple platforms makes the most sense:
During Low Demand
This strategy works best when you want to turn slow periods into productive ones. Instead of waiting, you might get a local trip from Bolt followed by a longer ride from Uber. You can go a full shift without the frustration of empty hours.
Smart drivers adjust their strategy throughout the day. During peak times, they use one primary app. During off-peak hours, they turn on all three.
For Part-Time or Weekend Drivers
These drivers cannot afford long waits between trips. A multi-app strategy is perfect for keeping them busy during their limited driving hours. The constant flow of rides makes part-time PCO driving much more profitable. Many part-time drivers use this method to achieve their earning targets.
For Airport-Focused Drivers
Airport runs bring higher fares, but the waiting time can be long between rides. You also face the risk of an empty return journey. Multi-apping solves these problems because different apps have varying demand at different airports.
For instance, you drop a passenger off at Heathrow with Uber. You then check Bolt and FREENOW for a ride back into the city to avoid dead miles. This makes the entire airport journey more profitable.
Best Practices for Using Multiple Apps
Here’s what smart drivers do to avoid the potential challenges of using multiple apps:
App Prioritisation
Choose a primary app that you can rely on consistently. Use the other apps as secondary platforms to fill the gaps.
Your choice depends on your goals. If you have a premium car, Uber Exec can be your main app. If you prefer low commission cuts, Bolt might be a better choice.
This hierarchy simplifies your decisions. You know which app deserves most of your attention, and use the secondary apps strategically instead of reacting to every ping.
Know Each App’s Peak Times
Each app has its own rhythm. Uber may surge during the morning or evening commute. Bolt might be busy late at night, while FREENOW could have high demand during business hours. You should study these trends to position yourself in the right area before the peak starts.
Maintain Service Quality
Never sacrifice service quality for profits. A passenger in your car deserves your full attention. Do not interact with other apps while driving. Pull over safely if you need to check something. Maintain professionalism throughout the journey and focus on delivering a pleasant passenger experience. Happy passengers leave high ratings that lead to better trip offers.
Also Read: Useful Tips for PCO Drivers to Avoid Passenger Complaints
Start Earning Today.
Conclusion
So, should you use Uber, Bolt, and FREENOW together? The answer depends on several factors. You can earn more money with a better trip variety. However, there are also some challenges. Overlapping jobs create pressure to stay in line with platform policies. The mental distraction can also be a problem for many drivers.
This strategy best suits drivers who are on a PCO car hire plan, as they have a tight timeline to pay their weekly fees. It also helps part-time drivers to get the most value from their limited hours.
If you want to try the multi-app strategy, start with two apps first. See how it feels. If it works for you, add the third. Make the decision that best supports your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app for PCO drivers in London?
It depends on your priorities. Uber is the most popular and has the largest demand across London, so it’s great for getting a high volume of trips. Bolt is also very attractive because its commission is lower than Uber’s, meaning you keep more per fare.
Is Bolt cheaper than Uber?
From a driver’s perspective, Bolt is generally “cheaper” in terms of commission, although this could be subjective. Uber typically takes around a 25% commission per ride. Bolt’s commission for drivers in London varies between 10% and 20%. Your net earnings per ride can end up higher using Bolt compared to Uber.
Which ride-hailing app is most used in London?
Uber remains the dominant ride-hailing app in London. According to app-usage data, Uber has a significantly higher number of monthly active users in the UK compared to Bolt, indicating that it’s still the go-to for many passengers.
Is there an app better than Uber in London?
“Better” depends on how you define it. If “better” means higher take-home earnings per trip, then Bolt can be better because of its lower commission structure. For premium driving opportunities and higher-paying passengers, platforms like Wheely exist, though their passenger volume is lower.
What is a poor Uber driver rating?
A “poor” Uber driver rating is often considered to be anything below about 4.6. Drivers whose average rating falls under 4.6 may be subject to Uber’s quality interventions. If it doesn’t improve, their account can be deactivated.
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