The District Awards Lyft Contract for Next Five Years of Capital Bikeshare Operations
Renewed cooperative agreement with Lyft is expected to unlock system-wide electrification and enable Capital Bikeshare to remain as one of the most affordable bikeshare programs in the country.
(WASHINGTON, DC) —The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), on behalf of the Capital Bikeshare regional partnership, today announced the award of a new five-year Operations & Maintenance contract to Lyft. This award builds on a record-breaking year for the system and positions Capital Bikeshare to expand electrification, grow its station network, and remain available to riders across the region. It also means Capital Bikeshare will remain one of the most affordable bikeshare systems in the country.
“More than 6.6 million trips in one year tells us something important: people are choosing Capital Bikeshare because it works for their everyday lives,” said DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “This new contract gives us an opportunity to build on that momentum by expanding the network, advancing electrification, and keeping Capital Bikeshare one of the most affordable bikeshare systems in the country. We are proud of how far this program has come, and even more excited about where we can take it next.”
"We’re proud to have been selected to continue operating Capital Bikeshare on behalf of the District and 7 other Member Jurisdictions across the region. We’re excited to keep investing in the riders and communities that have made Capital Bikeshare a part of daily life here for nearly 16 years," said Blake Dickler, General Manager of Capital Bikeshare.
A Record Year for Capital Bikeshare
The contract award follows a milestone year for the program. In 2025, Capital Bikeshare:
- Surpassed 6 million trips systemwide
- Set a single-day ridership record of over 35,000 rides on March 29
- Celebrated its 15th anniversary
- Installed its 800th station, growing the network to 820 stations total
In 2026, the system continued to grow, with station expansion surpassing 850 stations in June.
Unlocking Electrification at Scale
The new contract is expected to enable DDOT and partner jurisdictions to work with Lyft to scale electrification with grid connected stations in key locations across the network. Station electrification at scale enables ebike batteries to charge while docked, which can lower operating costs, improve bike and dock availability for riders, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the region, and support continued ridership growth.
To celebrate the contract award and the next chapter ahead, along with Capital Bikeshare’s 16th anniversary, DDOT and Lyft are introducing a ride credit promotion for riders: riders can use code CABISWEET16 for 16% off one classic or ebike ride (up to 30 minutes with $2 max savings). Valid through 9/30/2026. Limited quantity. Terms apply.
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