News / Voi
Voi boss defends price hike for Bristol users
Money from increased prices to use Vois will be invested back into better e-scooters and infrastructure, said the company’s CEO.
Fredrik Hjelm stated the firm’s mission statement is to provide “safe, reliable and sustainable micro mobility for everyone” as he defended the hike that has seen the cost of a day pass rise from £4.99 to £7.
Answering questions from journalists in Bristol on Monday, the boss of the Swedish company said the city’s e-scooter pilot has been the biggest in the UK so far, with four million trips and 250,000 users.
is needed now More than ever
He justified the price changes that were introduced in early April, saying the firm is investing a lot of money in upgrading their fleets, improving infrastructure such as parking, better warehousing and more health and safety measures.
Hjelm also highlighted discounted rates that are available for NHS and emergency service staff, who can claim 50 per cent off a monthly pass, students, who can get 20 per cent off monthly and daily passes, and low income groups, who could be eligible for 82.5 per cent off in Bristol.
Money from increased prices to use Vois will be invested back into better e-scooters and infrastructure, says CEO Fredrik Hjelm – photo: Ellie Pipe
“We have our mission statement that’s safe, reliable and sustainable micro mobility for everyone,” stated Hjelm, saying this means making services as affordable as possible and “de-averaging” the pricing, with lower rates for low income groups and others.
Hjelm continued: “We continue to believe they can be for everyone and affordable. We are upgrading our fleets and we continue to invest a lot in the service.”
The CEO of Voi was in Bristol to address concerns about two of the company’s shareholders links with Russia.
Voi bosses have recently announced plans to expand their reach across the whole of Bristol, including neighbourhoods they weren’t previously available in and Hjelm said he wants to continue to invest in the region.
In a letter to users, the company informed them of price changes and the introduction of two different monthly pass options, with riders now able to opt for a monthly pass limited to 300 minutes for £35 per month or a monthly pass for £50 a month. The cost to ride on a casual basis is 16p per minute, plus an unlock fee of 99p.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Voi CEO faces questions over links with Russia
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