Originally Posted by
UniChris
Not quite correct. There are two qualifiers for that cap to apply:
- 45 minutes or less
- Ride must begin or end OUTSIDE MANHATTAN
So basically it's $2 for a bridge commute into or out of Manhattan, but potentially more for trips within the island.
That has some folks upset, but I'm not sure I agree - I think it covers where the assist bikes make sense, while charging more for where they don't.
Pedaling a bike has health benefits, so that makes sense as public policy even if it isn't the most efficient way to move the population around.
But if we're going to move people around the city with electric motors, in areas with good coverage the subway's electric motors are probably better public policy than individual e-vehicles, even if those vehicles are bike-sized. Especially as long as charging requires staff to catch up to the bike at a dock, it really doesn't seem like these can compete with the subway, except where the subway is overloaded or doesn't go.
The longest commute rides I used to do on a citibke were 6 mile 40 minute rides within manhattan. It was actually shorter than the walk to and from the subway + time on the trains with transfers between lines. My return home after a 14 hour day was usually by taxi if I could find one and cost around $34 with tip. If there were electic assist citbikes back then I would have gladly taken one instead of the cab and save a ton of cash. Fatique after a long day discouraged me from riding the six miles back.