Uber has increased the price of JUMP bikes in Providence approximately 400%. The cost of a 30 minute ride has increased from $2 to $9 dollars. This price increase isn’t that surprising if you are familiar with the business model of venture capital backed tech companies. They burn though a bunch of money getting consumers and municipalities addicted to their offerings then ratchet up the prices once they determine you are sufficiently locked into their offering.

However getting upset at VC’s for sociopathically squeezing money out of people is a bit like yelling at a dog for chasing squirrels, it’s just their nature. Instead let’s appreciate the lesson they have taught us here in Providence. Subsidized electric vehicle shares were great for Providence. It afforded greater mobility to low income and young people, 2 groups who are generally the most screwed over by car centric infrastructure. It helped solved the problem of moving along the circumference of the city, which previously could only be accomplished by taking a bus to Kennedy Plaza, then taking a 2nd bus to your destination.

taking multiple buses to get from Olneyville Square To Providence College

Taking the route directly (travel time even shorter with electric bike)

Increased mobility is good for cities. It helps people get to jobs, to groceries, to daycares, to schools. We see all across the country people flowing into cities that are easy to navigate without a car. Instead of having increased mobility subsidized by Venture Capitalist who will eventually come for their pound of flesh it should be subsidized by the municipality. A Rhode Island or Providence backed electric rideshare program would have the best interests of the people who actually live here. It would create jobs for locals and it would force outside companies to be more competitive in their offerings. I don’t think Providence is going to have a subway anytime soon but dammit we could drop some RIPTA Bikes on the corner.