Bike Share Toronto Network Expansion Underway

Toronto Parking Authority and Metrolinx Partnership Doubles the Number of Bikes



TORONTO, June 27, 2016 –Metrolinx and the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) are pleased to announce that the Bike Share Toronto network expansion is now underway.

Beginning today, 120 new Bike Share stations and 1000 new bikes will be installed across the city, with completion expected by July 11. The expanded network will not only increase the number of bikes available in the downtown core, but will also see more stations located close to transit stations and in dense areas.

The expansion will double the number of bikes in the system, giving more people the opportunity to take advantage of seamless transportation options and further supports active transportation.

“Programs like Bike Share help keep our communities strong, create more jobs and ensure that people have transportation options they can rely on now and in the future,” said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation. “Whether you bike to work, school or for leisure, this investment is about expanding the current network of bike stations to create a more sustainable way to get around. Providing more cycling options for people and families to get around and stay active is one of the ways we are showing our commitment to helping the environment, promoting cycling and improving travel options in Ontario.”

“By expanding Bike Share Toronto, residents will have more options to get around the city. More bikes on our streets means fewer cars on our roads, helping to reduce congestion and improve the air we breathe,” said Mayor John Tory. “I’d like to thank the Province of Ontario for investing in Toronto and helping double the amount of bikes available to share. Whether it’s by foot, bike, public transit or car, we’re working together to get Toronto moving.”

Updated service area, station locations subject to change



Download high-res station map 1 of 3

Download high-res station map 2 of 3

Download high-res station map 3 of 3

The majority of the new bikes (800) and stations (80) were purchased through a $4.9 million partnership, announced July 2015, between Metrolinx and the TPA. The remaining bikes (200) and stations (40) contributing to the expansion were provided by the TPA.

As part of the TPA-Metrolinx partnership, those who sign up for a new Bike Share Toronto membership and have a valid PRESTO card will receive 50 per cent off of the cost of their first year of membership. The discount will come into effect this summer and more details will be made available soon.

“We are excited to be moving forward with the TPA to bring more seamless transportation options to residents,” said Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “Bike sharing is a great way to connect people to transit in the first and last kilometre of their journey, giving people more options to get where they need to go.”

“This is a giant step forward for Bike Sharing in Toronto,” said Toronto Parking Authority President Lorne Persiko. “We made a commitment to give Toronto a world class bike sharing network and today’s announcement, with the Metrolinx partnership, makes Bike Share Toronto one of the world’s best.”

In April 2016, TPA announced that following an extensive tender process, PBSC Urban Solutions, a world leader in public bike-sharing systems, was chosen as the supplier of the new bikes and stations.

"Playing an active role in the Bike Share Toronto network expansion is very important to us,” said Luc Sabbatini, CEO of PBSC Urban Solutions. “We are really proud to be working on this project with TPA and Metrolinx to offer a convenient, fast, fun, and efficient bike-sharing system to Torontonians.”

In addition, new cutting edge technology has been installed into the system and a new Bike Share Toronto app, provided by Transit App is now available.

Bike Share Toronto currently has approximately 4,000 annual members and over 35,000 casual users.



New Bike Share Toronto station locations will be posted here as they come online.

About Metrolinx

Metrolinx is working to provide residents and businesses in the GTHA with a transportation system that is modern, efficient and integrated. Find out more about Metrolinx’s Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA. Find out more about GO Transit, PRESTO, and Union Pearson Express, divisions of Metrolinx.

About the TPA

The Toronto Parking Authority is a self-sustaining public corporation owned by the City of Toronto. It contributes significant revenues to the City’s general reserves while successfully meeting its mandate to provide safe, attractive, conveniently located and competitively priced off- and on-street public parking, required by commercial strips and neighbouring residential areas to survive. Recognized as a world leader in parking technology services, the Parking Authority has been successful in ensuring that businesses in these areas continue to grow and neighbourhoods remain vibrant.

For more information and interview requests, please contact:

Vanessa Barrasa

Metrolinx Media Relations

(416) 230-3732

vanessa.barrasa@metrolinx.com

Rita Mezzanotte

Toronto Parking Authority Communications

(416) 271-0667

ritamezz@me.com

