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Release Date: Sept. 21, 2023
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040
METRO’s Board of Directors is poised to vote on a new multi-year contract that would create a bike share program for the transit agency with a focus on first and last mile connectivity. The vote will come Thursday, Sept. 28, following today’s recommendation of the program by the Board’s Public Safety, Customer Service and Operations Committee.
METRO Presient & CEO Tom Lambert said that the establishment of an integrated bike share program represents a significant step toward enhancing METRO's transportation system.
"This is part of METRO's vision for a truly multimodal system that will optimize first and last mile connections to transit," said Lambert. "A trip might begin with someone cycling, followed by connections to bus, rail, or curb-to-curb services. This initiative empowers individuals with a broader array of travel choices and will help support overall transit ridership."
Key features of the program include:
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Strategic Placement and Integration with Transit: METRO's new bike share program will feature 140 E-bikes at 20 solar-ready stations near transit hubs, with potential growth to 100 stations. This integrated solution makes it easier for commuters to combine biking with public transit, addressing first-last mile challenges and enhancing mobility.
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Effortless Payment and Access: METRO's bike share integration into its ADA-compliant fare payment system ensures a seamless and accessible user experience.
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With the METRO Trip App, customers will be able to conveniently access both public transit and the bike share network. This unified platform will empower riders to effortlessly find bikes, check availability, and make payments, making multimodal transportation a hassle-free reality.
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Affordable Pricing: METRO is committed to keeping all transit services accessible to everyone. The program will offer affordable pricing options, making it an attractive transportation alternative.
If approved by the full Board, METRO leadership would be authorized to execute a three-year contract with two one-year options with PBSC Urban Solutions for the launch and operation of the bike share program. The program would launch by the summer of 2024.
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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail, which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT Express Lanes, curb2curb microtransit service and METRO Star Vanpool. In 2020, the Authority introduced the METRORapid Silver Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit service. Bike & Ride programs and road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. Focused on investing in the region’s future mobility needs, the Authority developed the METRONext Moving Forward Plan. METRO is also the first transit provider in the region to pilot autonomous vehicle shuttle technology. Learn more about METRO services at RideMETRO.org, where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone. |
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