How's the financial situation of Bixi (or other similar service) in your city?
05-18-11, 11:32 AM
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How's the financial situation of Bixi (or other similar service) in your city?
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Last edited by Norel; 09-11-11 at 06:02 PM.
05-18-11, 11:47 AM
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Maybe somebody who knows more will correct me if I'm wrong, but the ride share program in Minneapolis is set up as a non-profit. They make enough money through user fees to operate the system but new bikes and new stations require funds from other sources. A local health insurance company is one big contributor and they also qualified for some federal funds. They get money from other businesses, neighborhood coalitions, etc. It's not something that the city or state makes tax payers foot the bill for in any direct way.
It's been in operation less than a year though so I think it's too early to tell whether it's on solid financial ground long term. As far os the number of rides I think they were happy with the results last year but they would like more monthly and annual subscriptions.
It's been in operation less than a year though so I think it's too early to tell whether it's on solid financial ground long term. As far os the number of rides I think they were happy with the results last year but they would like more monthly and annual subscriptions.
05-19-11, 08:10 AM
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In the DC area, the Capital bikeshare program is growing. They've recently expanded with more stations (and bikes). Also, they had a very successful Groupon type promotion where you could get the membership for 1/2 the regular price. I'm pretty sure that the stations were built with federal assistance or at least a good part of them. I haven't joined b/c they didn't put a station near my home or business...yet.
