CapMetro to enhance Austin’s bike-share system

Credit: CapMetro

Capital Metro (CapMetro) has announced that it has started a new partnership with PBSC Urban Solutions, Inc. to update and expand MetroBike, Austin’s bike-sharing programme. The collaboration, revealed signifies a pivotal investment in the city’s transportation infrastructure.

The partnership is part of a broader initiative between CapMetro and the City of Austin aimed at implementing a $20.6 million expansion plan for the bike-share system. Funding for the project includes an $11.3 million Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) grant awarded to the City of Austin in October 2023.

Under the agreement, CapMetro will replace and expand 80 MetroBike stations, 1,000 docks and 800 bicycles, effectively tripling the size of the bike-share system. A key aspect of the expansion involves transitioning the entire bicycle fleet to e-bikes, enhancing the user experience and promoting sustainability.

Since its launch in December 2013, MetroBike has gained popularity as an affordable and convenient mode of transportation, particularly among university students and during major events in Austin. Monthly trips have steadily increased over the years, with usage peaking during events such as the ACL Festival and SXSW.

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The collaboration between the City of Austin and CapMetro reflects a shared commitment to expanding the bike-share programme over the next decade. Through an interlocal agreement (ILA), the city will own the physical infrastructure, while CapMetro will oversee the operational and technological aspects of the system.

The public can anticipate the roll-out of new bikes and stations as early as the summer of 2024, marking a significant milestone in Austin’s efforts to improve access to sustainable transportation options.

As MetroBike continues to evolve, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in the City of Austin’s transit network, providing residents, commuters and visitors with a convenient and eco-friendly means of getting around the city. With this partnership, Austin’s bike-share system is on track for a transformative journey towards enhanced accessibility and sustainability.