As part of the BaltimoreLink plan to improve transit in the region, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is partnering with the City of Baltimore to create a new bike share program. The agreement was recently approved by the Baltimore City Board of Estimates.
The Board approved a $2.36 million contract with Bewegen Technologies, Inc., to manage, operate and maintain Baltimore’s new bike share program, which is expected to launch with 500 bikes and 50 stations across the city. MTA’s proposed Fiscal Year 2017 budget includes $500,000 to help fund the installation of bike share racks at 15 MTA MARC Train, Metro Subway and Light Rail stations.
Like Zipcar and other car-sharing services, bike share provides convenient, on-demand access to bicycles for short distance trips in the city. Bike share is different than bicycle renting because bike share is designed for short trips with high turnover and based on a fee structure with an upfront cost. Bike share also provides free short rides and higher rates the longer a bicycle is in use.
“Bike share provides customers with an effective first and last mile option for their commute,” said MTA Administrator and CEO Paul Comfort. “It’s cost-effective, benefits the health of city riders and is good for the environment.”
