1. joe
   Admin
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   The Guardian is reporting that London will be starting a bikesharing system "inspired" by Montreal's Bixi:

   • TfL now says the scheme will launch next summer - it had previously spoken of next spring - and adds that planning permission has been secured for over 100 of the 400 docking stations for the hire bikes to be installed in the nine boroughs and various royal parks that comprise the Zone 1 area.

     There will be 6,000 bikes provided under a system described as being "based on, but not identical to," Montreal's BIXI scheme. TfL's press release continues:

     Further information on that, and on the design of the bicycles, docking stations and terminals, will be released later this year.

     That is not the same as saying that the BIXI people will play a part in the provision of the payment system and hardware for the London scheme, but I'm tempted to detect such an inference. We'll see.

2. joe
   Admin
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   Here are stories about Boston using Bixi as well:

   
   Montreal Gazette: Boston, London want our Bixi bikes

   The city of Montreal has reached agreements with Boston and London, England, to implement a version of our bike-sharing program. The bikes and docking stations will continue to be made in Quebec, guaranteeing at least 40 jobs in the Montreal area and more in manufacturing plants in Saguenay and Thetford Mines.

   And in a twist, the Bixi call centre in Montreal will be beefed up to handle customer complaints coming from Boston.

   “It’s not just job creation, this enhances the credentials of the designers of Bixi,” Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay said.

   “There are patents on Bixi and the technical aspects like the solar-powered docking stations, so we’re also exporting our knowledge, ” Tremblay said.

   
   Boston Globe: Vendor selected for Boston area bike-sharing program

   A Canadian company, the Public Bike System Company, was selected to bring a network of bike-sharing stations to Boston, and plans to expand the system into Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline shortly afterward. Each city still has to finalize contracts with the company before the program can begin, said Amanda Linehan, a MAPC spokeswoman.

   “This will make it easier for people to use bikes to do errands, to attend meetings during work hours, and to visit friends,” Marc Draisen, executive director of MAPC, said in a statement. “It will take cars off the road and improve our air quality. The Public Bike System Company already runs a great system in Montreal, and we’re pleased to provide the municipalities the opportunity to enter into a contract with them.”

3. Duncan
   Moderator
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   Has anyone had the chance to use the system and ride a Bixi?

   Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

4. joe
   Admin
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   I think we need some montreal people. :)

5. joe
   Admin
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   This post from the Montreal Tourism website is a pretty good intro to Bixi and how it works, with video:

   Get the Video Plugin

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