Tucson Bike share program is moving forward

EQUIPMENT PROVIDER AND OPERATOR SELECTED

The City of Tucson recently signed a contract with Shift Transit to operate the public bike share system that is scheduled to launch in the Fall of 2017.  Bike share is an innovative transit solution that gives subscribers 24/7 access to a network of bicycles through automated, self-service kiosks located throughout the community. The bike share equipment and technology will be provided by Lyft Urban Solutions, a leader in bike-sharing solutions. They have deployed over 50,000 bikes in numerous cities, including Chicago, Toronto, Detroit and Honolulu.

The City has been gearing up to launch the bike share program for several years and the selection of the operator is a major step forward. Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) Director Daryl W. Cole is pleased to reach this milestone, “We are eager to work with Shift Transit to bring bike share to Tucson this year. Their experience in working with several other cities to launch bike share will be a big benefit to our system.”

Over 100 cities in the U.S. currently have public bike share systems. Bike share will provide greater mobility options in the increasingly dense urban core of Tucson. “Bike share is appealing to the growing number of people who want to live close to where they work and play,” said Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. “A multi-modal transportation system that includes bike share, also makes Tucson more attractive to potential employers.”

The City secured federal grant funding to launch its system with 36 stations and 330 bicycles. An advisory team made up of representatives from the City of Tucson, Visit Tucson, University of Arizona, Rio Nuevo, the Living Streets Alliance, Pima Association of Governments and others have been guiding this project.

Shift Transit was selected through a competitive bid process. Shift CEO, Edward Inlow, has visited Tucson numerous times, “We are extremely happy to bring our expertise to the City of Tucson and are looking forward to put in place a bike share system that will bring Tucsonans a healthy, sustainable and fun transportation option.” Shift Transit will have a General Manager onboard to oversee all aspects of the launch and operations of the Tucson bike share program.

The City of Tucson and the Shift Transit project team are committed to keeping the public, business community and visitors informed about this project. For more information or to sign up for newsletter updates, visit the project website at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/bicycle/tucson-bike-share.

About Shift Transit

Shift Transit is a comprehensive bike share service provider that collaborates with cities and non-profits to take their bike share vision from concept to reality. Shift Transit and its partner Lyft Urban Solutions offer cities a unique one-stop shop solution with turnkey delivery offering bikes, stations, software, station siting and planning, marketing, sponsorship procurement and minute-to-minute system operations. Shift Transit has extensive experience in managing the largest and most successful bike share programs in North America, and currently serves the cities of Detroit and Toronto.

About Lyft Urban Solutions

With over 160 million rides since its beginning, Lyft Urban Solutions is the world leader in public bike-sharing solutions. Its systems use solar-powered wireless terminals and cutting-edge technology that is adaptable and easy to use. Lyft Urban Solutions is the only bike-sharing provider offering cities three different types of bikes: the ICONIC, the FIT and the BOOST, a pedal-assist electric bike. Lyft Urban Solutions is a pioneer in public bike-sharing solutions and, following its vision to change the world one city at a time, continues to pave the way in sustainable alternatives to traditional urban transportation worldwide.