The Emanuel administration has selected an Oregon-based company with operations in the U.S. and overseas to operate Chicago's first large-scale bicycle-sharing rental program starting this summer.
Alta Bicycle Share, Inc., of Portland and its equipment manufacturer, Public Bike System Co., were chosen over two competing bids to make 3,000 bicycles available at 300 solar-powered self-service pick-up and drop-off locations this summer. The program will be expanded to a total of 5,000 bikes and 500 docking stations by 2014, city officials have said.
City Hall estimates the total capital and start-up costs at $21 million, adding that $18 million will be covered by federal funding aimed at improving air quality and easing traffic congestion and the remaining $3 million will be provided by the city.
Operating costs of the bike-sharing program are expected to be paid for entirely by membership and user fees, advertising, and sponsorships, with no additional cost to city taxpayers, mayoral spokesman Tom Alexander said.
Chicago Treibune March 14, 2012
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