Seattle makes bike-share program official

Published 1:30 am Monday, July 30, 2018

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Seattle city leaders have decided to expand a bike-share program that allows people to rent and leave a bike anywhere in the city.

The City Council on Monday unanimously passed legislation that makes permanent a one-year pilot program started last summer.

Under the legislation, the city plans to charge up to four bike-share companies $250,000 a year for a permit for about 5,000 bikes each.

The expected $1 million in annual revenue from the permit costs is slated for building parking corrals and for administrative costs.

Of the three vendors — Spin, LimeBike and Ofo — participating in the pilot program, only Limebike has said it will apply for the permit.

Ofo said Monday it would leave Seattle while Spin hasn’t responded to messages seeking comment.

Supporters say the program adds transportation choices and reduces congestion. Critics have complained about the bikes blocking sidewalks.