Buffalo CarShare might be experiencing a bump in the road currently, but Buffalo BikeShare is nothing but smooth cruising. BikeShare recently launched its city fleet for the 2015 season. With more bikes and more hubs, the fleet is ever-present in Buffalo and even has a satellite fleet of 40 bikes on the University at Buffalo’s North and South Campuses. Will all of the new advances, the future of BikeShare is looking brighter than ever.
“This year, we’re excited to have new technology installed on the bikes,” says BikeShare’s John O’Brien. “The user interface is now managed by an updated keypad and a screen that displays real-time tracking on the time the bike has been used and the distance traveled. Through a member’s account, the bike tracks and saves routes, which can then be shared. Some of our fleet (the blue and green bikes) are also next-generation bikes that have updated frames.”
The beauty of BikeShare is the technology that allows the user to access the bike from a phone app (Social Bicycles) or by a computer located on the back of the bike. There are two plans to choose from:
- Pay-as-you go ($10 activation fee and then 5 cents a minute)
- Full seasonal plan ($65) – UB students are also eligible for a discount student rate
Users never have to worry about storing a bike, fixing flat tires, maintenance or any of the other hassles that can come with bike ownership. The bikes are always in tiptop shape and can be found just about anywhere these days.
Sometimes the convenience of sharing can get you places that you never dreamed possible. It’s time to get out and explore Buffalo on bike!