LOWER MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – “This has become crazy”, said regular Citi Bike rider Keith Copley. He’s talking about how much it costs to ride an electric Citi Bike in the five boroughs.
Transportation Alternatives recently released data about just how much it costs in New York City when you purchase the more than $200 annual membership. Alexa Sledge, with Transportation Alternatives, told PIX 11 News, “It is $12.15; that exact same ride back in 2020, was just $4.50. We’ve seen eight price hikes since 2021 alone on these minute-by-minute e-bike surcharge fees.”
Sledge said that same ride in other cities is far less: $4.50 in Boston, $2.30 in Paris, $1.35 in London and $1.05 in Tokyo. Sledge said, “Here in New York City, we look at public bike share as private transportation. if you look at those peer cities across the United States and internationally, they view it as public transportation and they subsize it publicly.”
Citi Bike, which is owned by Lyft, has a contract with New York City until 2029.
There are currently three pieces of legislation pending in the New York City Council to try to make the rides more affordable. One would cap the cost of a ride at $3 by using city money to subsidize the program. Christopher Marte, a co-sponsor of the bill, told PIX 11 News, “It’s something that if we pass in the council, they would have to follow under that new contract, and it gives us the most leverage going into those meetings.
Jeremy Edwards, the Deputy Press Secretary for Mayor Mamdani, issued a statement, saying: “This administration is committed to creating a more affordable city, including through transit options like Citi Bike. In any near-term negotiations around bike share cost, and looking ahead to 2029, the Mamdani administration will work to secure the strongest benefits for riders and their wallets.”
‘This has become crazy’: New Yorkers fed up with Citi bike prices
