This is pretty big news for anyone in Toronto who enjoys using a bike to get around. Especially when they don’t want to deal with owning that bike.
Bike Share Toronto has just announced a massive expansion that will include the addition of 120 new Bike Share stations and 1000 new bikes – all of which will be installed by July 11th.
That’s pretty impressive.
Just in time for the full summer swing, you’ll soon be able to jump on a bike in more densely populated areas and closer to a lot more transit stops. The expansion doubles the total number of bikes available in Toronto.
As per Bike Share Toronto’s release, the TPA-Metrolinx partnership made last July is responsible for the majority of the new bikes (800) and stations (80). As well, part of that partnership ensures that anyone signing up for a new Bike Share membership who has a valid PRESTO card will get 50% off of their first year.
Currently, individual memberships cost $90 per year, with usage fees amounting to the following:
0-30 minutes = no charge
31-60 = $1.50
61=90 = $4
Every additional half-hour = $7
The minute you re-dock your bike the counter stops. So unless you’re planning on going from one end of town to the other, you can get most places downtown in 30 minutes or less, aka free.
Of course, there are also ‘short term’ memberships available for Bike Share Toronto. For $7 you can pick up a 24-hour pass and for $15 you can have 72-hours of cycling freedom.
While Toronto still remains divided as a bike city (safety third?), Toronto Parking Authority President Lorne Persiko stated his focus on continuing to help Toronto reach its goal of being a leader in the area: “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.”
While that still remains to be seen, what is definitely true is that you’ll soon find it a hell of a lot easier to get on two wheels in downtown Toronto.
Find out everything you need to know about Bike Share Toronto here.
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