Chauffer car portal Blacklane launches in the UK

Berlin-based online chauffeur car portal Blacklane is expanding into the UK with service in eight cities.

Berlin-based online chauffeur car portal Blacklane is expanding into the UK with service in eight cities.

The formal launch follows the completion of a beta phase in the UK for a year.

The firm now offers its premium taxi service in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Blacklane claims to have driven bookings at an average rate of more than 20% per month with an average trip distance of 18 miles since its first booking in London last March.

The company says it is tapping into demand for premium, reliable transport which can be booked in advance at a fixed price. It is working with 180 providers in the UK but expanded its network from 30 to 130 cities across 45 countries between last August and January this year.

Bookings for cars can be made through an app, the company website or via a hotline.

Customers using Blacklane in other countries now account for half of total UK users.

Co-founder and managing director Frank Steuer said: “Initial demand for our premium taxi service in the UK has been very encouraging and I’m confident this will continue to grow as we establish Blacklane as the only smart, affordable alternative to a taxi which is truly global.

It’s exciting to play a role not only in removing complications for international and local travellers, but also in helping UK chauffeur businesses tap into global demand for business travel.”