Photo: Drop Mobility
A new bike share program called Drop Mobility has just launched on the UBC campus and it's already hugely popular.
Riders simply find a bike or scooter through the Drop app and then scan the QR code on the bike or scooter which unlocks automatically. In other words, it works just like a car share program, except it is greener and cheaper - a win win!
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Since UBC's campus is extremely large, the bikes offer a much more expedient way to travel. And, with 2,000 Dropbikes already providing thousands of rides on the campus, the Toronto based company has plans to expand throughout the rest of Metro Vancouver.
The program is also extremely attractive to students because it is so affordable. Starting at only $1 per hour, it is far cheaper than using a vehicle. Moreover, there are so many of them on campus, and they may be dropped off wherever there is a secure place to lock up the bike.
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Once your trip is complete, you simply attach the drop vehicle to any existing infrastructure or one of the “Havens” (designated parking spots). Pull down the lever to lock the bike and your journey is complete.
In Kelowna, where the service is also up and running, average trip length has declined from about 30 minutes to 23 minutes. This suggests that more of the rides are now being taken for specific purposes rather than novelty trips or sightseeing, which indicates that people are choosing the option for their daily tasks rather than using transit or cars. As such, the option promotes a greener and more sustainable future for the region.
