Indego — Philadelphia Launching New Bikeshare System This Spring
The city of Philadelphia will be launching an “ambitious” new bike-sharing program, featuring over 60 stations and 600 bikes, later this spring, according to recent reports.
The program — which has been dubbed “Indego,” after the Independence Blue Cross (a $8.5 million project contributor) — will give city dwellers the option of using cash, credit cards, or special member cards to rent bikes during any of the 24 hours of the day. Despite the fact that the program hasn’t actually launched yet, city officials are already apparently making plans to expand the system to encompass a wider area.
The proposed bike-sharing station locations span more or less the whole of the city — with stations set to be built everywhere from the University district, to City Center, to South Philly, to the Navy Yard, etc.
The Philly Enquirer provides more:
It will be similar to efforts in Boston, Washington, New York, and other cities. Independence Blue Cross will contribute $1.7 million a year for five years to help operate the system, while the city will provide $3 million to buy bikes and stations, and more than $4.5 million in additional funding will come from state, federal, and foundation coffers.
Riders’ fees have not been announced, but the cost will be “a few dollars a week” for a membership, said Andrew Stober, chief of staff of the mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities.
Pricing for riders will be set with 30-day renewable memberships that include free rides of up to an hour, fee-per-ride memberships, and walk-up prices based on a flat fee per half-hour ride, Stober said.
Users will reportedly have to be at least 16 years of age, and will be required to wear a helmet.
Those looking to find more information about the service can find it at the new website for the service.
Image Credit: Indego
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