Mobi has officially mobilized.
Vancouver’s new bike-share program launched to the public Thursday, allowing users to purchase day passes for $7.50, including unlimited 30-minute rides with additional charges for longer rides.
Monthly passes are also now available for between $10 and $20 per month depending on the plan. Helmets are available on bikes at no additional cost.
“Starting now, anyone can rent a Mobi bike to get from Point A to Point B,” said Mia Kohout, general manager of Vancouver Bike Share, Inc., operator of Mobi, in a news release.
The bike-share program was launched to members only on July 20 to test the system before its widespread roll out.
It now boasts 46 stations and 500 bikes in an area bounded by the Downtown peninsula, Arbutus Street, 16th Avenue and Main Street.
City statistics suggest 3,739 one-year memberships have been purchased to date, and more than 25,500 individual rides have taken place.
“Mobi has been well-embraced by Vancouverites, with more than 25,000 rides and 3,700 local founding members since the soft launch last month, and we’re just getting started,” Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a news release.
“With over half of trips in Vancouver made by walking, bike or transit, Mobi has been a great addition to our active transportation network, making it even easier to get between transit stops or navigate the downtown core.”
The city had previously said the program will be fully operational by the end of summer. That target includes 150 stations and 1,500 bikes. Pricing options, station locations and other details can be found online at www.mobibikes.ca.
@JohnKurucz
