Modern bike-sharing technology to be implemented in São Paulo

PBSC, a global provider of bike-sharing and sustainable urban mobility solutions, has begun the deployment of 2,600 bikes and 260 solar-powered stations across São Paulo, introducing interconnected urban mobility.

The distribution represents the second milestone of a country-wide initiative to bring modern bike-sharing to tens of millions of Brazilians across the nation’s largest cities. 

“While Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, 86 per cent of its population lives in urban areas, making bike-sharing one of the most efficient and healthy ways for locals to get around,” said Luc Sabbatini, CEO, PBSC Urban Solutions. “The PBSC team could not be more excited and proud to further its alliance with tembici. and Itaú Unibanco by providing the 20 plus millions of the Greater São Paulo area with a clean mobility alternative.”

By early spring, tembici. – known for their expertise in managing successful bike-share projects in South America – will have the first phase of the system in full operation. The new network will be accessible through various payment services including a smartphone application, cash payments at designated sales points, Bilhete Unico card and credit card payments will be available at the docking terminals.

“To include urban mobility as one of the bank’s official causes has been worthwhile. We have been successful in ensuring that more people are beginning to use the bicycle as a means of transportation,” said Luciana Nicola, Senior Manager for Governmental and Institutional Relations, Itaú Unibanco. “Now, with an increasing number of cyclists, this new phase in the project will be to leverage the know-how acquired over the years to raise quality of service and user satisfaction to another level.”

The bikes being added to the fleet will be available at major public transit hubs as the scheme expands; benefitting citizens, tourists and occasional riders.

The bright orange bike was chosen due to its smart ergonomics and modern look, providing a quality riding experience for all users. The bike has been fully adapted to the requirements of the city and durability levels are high, helping to ensure sustainability remains a key focus in Brazil’s public transport.