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Wednesday September 23, 2020
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will temporarily close 58 Metro Bike Share Stations on the Westside beginning September 28 to replace the agency’s dockless Smart Bikes with Classic bikes and stations. Metro Bike Share program members in the Westside communities of Venice, Palms, Playa Vista and Santa Monica that depend on Metro’s bike share services for transportation should make alternate arrangements until the December/January timeframe, when Metro’s fleet replacement is expected to be complete.
During this four- to five-month transition, Metro will add nine bike share locations to the Westside for a total of 67 stations to improve the Westside coverage area. Additionally, Metro’s fleet of Classic Metro Bikes will provide improved connectivity between the Westside, downtown L.A. and Central L.A. bike share service areas.
Metro will be removing “Smart Bikes” from its service offerings. The bikes, which are not required to be physically docked to a bike share station, have not proven popular with Westside riders. One reason: the bikes contain geofencing limitations that restrict their ability to be used outside the Westside area without incurring additional service fees. Classic Bikes — which require a docked configuration, operate solely on foot pedaling and have higher ridership — are simpler and less expensive to replace. Metro’s vendor will convert the Westside fleet at no cost to the agency.
Metro will continue to operate a limited quantity of electric bikes in its fleet, including the Westside once the conversion is completed.
Metro’s Bike Share Program offers an important transportation alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bike Share is an ideal socially distanced transportation choice. The agency is ensuring its cleaning protocols for bikes and stations are compliant with health agency recommendations.
Metro has partnered with the City of Los Angeles on its bike share program. Over 200 stations and more than 1,100 bikes are available in Downtown and Central L.A., North Hollywood and the Westside.
For more information on Metro’s Bike Share Program, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/bikeshare.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.
Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.
