'MetroBike' is a bike sharing service that launched last year in Austin, Texas, in collaboration with the city of Austin and CapMetro, the parent company behind MetroBike. Since the service launched, the MetroBike fleet has grown to include 500 manual bikes, nearly 400 e-bikes, and roughly 80 docking stations across the city. The service is frequently used by citizens for commutes or leisurely trips alike, resulting in there being increased demand for the service.
As a result, MetroBike stated that it will expand its services further outward with the intention to cover the entire city of Austin, and potentially surrounding areas as it continues to grow. The current goal for MetroBike is to triple its fleet, bringing its total bicycles up to nearly 3,000, comprised of both manual and electric bikes.
American Bike Sharing Programs
MetroBike is Expanding Beyond Austin and Tripling its Fleet
Trend Themes
1. E-bike Sharing - The trend of e-bike sharing programs is growing and creating opportunities for expansion into new markets and increasing fleet sizes.
2. City-wide Bike Sharing - As bike sharing programs expand to cover entire cities, there are opportunities for new partnerships and infrastructure development.
3. Increased Demand for Bike Sharing - As more people turn to bike sharing for transportation, there are opportunities for companies to improve bike and docking station availability and user experience.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The transportation industry can benefit from investments in bike sharing programs and infrastructure to improve eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation options.
2. Urban Planning - As bike sharing programs expand to cover entire cities, urban planning industries can play a role in creating bike-friendly infrastructure and partnerships with bike sharing companies.
3. Green Technology - As e-bike sharing grows in popularity, there are opportunities for companies within the green technology industry to develop and improve electric bike technologies and sustainable transportation options.