New deal will see more than 2,000 new bikes and e-scooters hit West Midlands streets
A new deal has been agreed which will see more than 2,000 new bikes and e-scooters hit the West Midlands streets from April.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has selected micromobility provider Lime to take on the management of the scheme following a competitive bidding process.
The scheme will also operate at no cost to the taxpayer, bringing a saving of £1.4 million per year – the cost of running the cycle hire – to the authority.
In October last year, TfWM granted a short term extension to the contracts to enable a new provider to be found.
Bosses said they wanted the new agreement, which comes into effect from April 1, not to rely on public subsidy to keep the schemes going.
Lime is introducing a new fare structure but will maintain existing overall price levels for the first two years to make sure sustainable travel remains affordable.
Both bikes and e-scooters will be available immediately after the launch on April 1 in the areas currently served
But councils, TfWM and Lime will work to grow the network.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “By bringing in a brand-new fleet of bikes and scooters and freezing prices for the next two years, we’re making sure there’s a practical and affordable green alternative for shorter journeys – helping to tackle traffic congestion and improve the air we breathe.
“And by securing a partnership that operates at no cost to the taxpayer, we are saving the public purse more than £1 million a year.
“This is money we can now reinvest back into our regional transport, delivering better journeys for everyone.”
Full details of the new scheme are being finalised and will be announced, along with the launch of a new app for customers, closer to the start of the new service.
Tom Newham, Lime Senior Manager of Public Affairs, said: “We’re thrilled to be coming to the West Midlands and to be working with WMCA, whose ambition for active travel has laid strong foundations for expanding shared bikes and e-scooters across the region.
“The West Midlands is well suited and primed for this, with multiple towns and city centres close together and a strong public transport network.
“Through WMCA’s continued investment in micromobility and supporting infrastructure, there’s a real drive to make e- bikes and e-scooters a popular, practical and affordable choice for getting around.
“From our experience running schemes in towns and cities across the UK, we understand what it takes to run a service people use and rely on every day.
“We’re looking forward to working with communities in every part of the West Midlands to build a service that’s run locally and works for everyone – whether they ride Lime or not.”
And Beccy Marston, West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, added: “This new partnership marks an exciting step forward for active travel in the West Midlands.
“By significantly increasing the number of e-bikes across the region, we’re making it easier for more people to choose a convenient, affordable and sustainable option for short journeys.
“We’re looking forward to working with Lime to embed the cycle hire scheme alongside our wider active travel interventions and infrastructure improvements.”
As with the existing scheme, Lime e-scooters will be available in Birmingham and on the University of Warwick campus only.
