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On July 6th, the Province of Ontario announced $4.9 million in new funding for Toronto's Bike Share program, providing an infusion of capital that will—according to reports—effectively double the size of the system. Currently, Toronto Bikeshare consists of a network of approximately 1,000 bikes and 4,000 active users, though the system has been plagued by difficulties since its inception in 2011. Initially operated by Montreal's Bixi service, the system was taken over by Toronto's Parking Authority after Bixi filed for bankruptcy in 2014.
Bixi's financial problems, together with the program's limited success in Toronto, has curtailed the program's expansion, leaving the network relatively unchanged since its launch, and undersized in relation to many other cities. Compared to Montreal's 5,200 bikes and 411 stations, for example, Toronto's system of 1,000 bikes and 80 stations is underdeveloped, especially when our city's far larger population is taken into account. In this regard, the system's forthcoming expansion is especially welcome, given that any bike share system requires reasonably comprehensive coverage in order to become a viable option for commuters.
While an expansion of the system will almost certainly provide crucial benefits, the comparatively small size of Toronto's network is not the only hurdle that it faces. Compared to many other cities, Toronto's bike-sharing infrastructure and technology is relatively inefficient and expensive for both the city and the user, notwithstanding the number of bicycles and stations. Yet, to find an example of a more successful and popular system, we need not stoke our 'second-city' envy by looking to New York or Paris for inspiration. A surprisingly efficient and successful system can be found in a smaller city in our own region; Hamilton, Ontario.
Though Hamilton's SoBi system only launched a few months ago (March 20th), it already boasts more users (5,200 active as of early 2015) than Toronto's system, thanks in large part to its greater convenience and ease of use, together with lower maintenance costs, which pass savings along to the consumer. While Toronto's system features low-tech bicycles and high-tech parking stations, each of Hamilton's city bikes has its own GPS tracker and payment interface, meaning that using a bike does not involve paying at a central terminal. This seemingly small difference has several important benefits.
Firstly, the "unlock code" sent to a user's phone allows for a bike to be quickly rented, avoiding potential lineups at a separate terminal. Secondly, since each bike features its own GPS system and payment interface, the bicycles can be dropped off and picked up anywhere in the city centre, not just SoBi stations. This means that parked bikes can be found scattered throughout the city, with the GPS directing each user to the vehicle nearest to them. The location of bikes naturally gravitates to where demand is greatest, while the inbuilt GPS system forms an effective theft-protection measure.
Though Hamilton's SoBi system consists of only 700 bikes, compared to Toronto's 1,000, the ability to park bikes anywhere makes them more attractive to users, who don't have to worry about finding a station (which there are more of than in Toronto) next to every destination. Likewise, parking anywhere—together with the higher volume of stations—allows the relatively small number of bikes to cover a large area.
Finally, the operating costs of Hamilton's system are substantially lower than Toronto's network, with $1.6 million of Metrolinx funding, together with membership fees and sponsorship, covering the costs of the program.
Though the two cities are very different in size and transit needs, the success of Hamilton's SoBi system provides an interesting basis of comparison for Toronto. Standing on the precipice of a major expansion, Toronto Bike Share is set to provide expanded and more comprehensive service to Torontonians. Yet, beyond the laudable investments in expanded infrastructure, some of the structural advantages of Hamilton's system provide a possible blueprint for future evolution.
Have you used Toronto's BikeShare and/or Hamilton's SoBi? What's your take on the systems? You can always leave a comment in the space below.
