Bay Area Bike Share to expand throughout region

As we first teased last month, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) voted today to dramatically expand Bay Area Bike Share from 750 to over 7,000 bikes by the end of 2017. Of note for SVBC members, the San José system will expand to 1,000 bikes! The locations of new Bike Share stations will be determined, in part, based upon recommendations by individuals and businesses. Motivate -- the new owner of the Bike Share system -- is distributing a map to enable public requests for bike share stations. We urge you to submit requests for your city through the map. Where makes most sense for you as you work, shop, attend meetings, and more in San José?The pilot cities of Redwood City, Palo Alto, and Mountain View will have until June 2016 to make modifications to their station placement and work with sponsors and advertisers. This is key as the cities were limited in the pilot and will now be given more freedom to make the system work best for their needs, in particular as a way to get from Caltrain stations to destinations that aren't within walking distance. With more usage, these cities will be able to maintain their system with lower levels of operating costs.Other cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties will be able to opt into the system using local funds. However, MTC will also be providing $4.5 million to assist emerging communities who would like to implement bike share.The expansion of Bay Area Bike Share and the introduction of discounted passes will allow more people to choose bicycles as a viable transportation option, particularly when accessing Caltrain and BART. We are excited to continue to working with San José on its expansion and with the Peninsula cities as their pilot is extended to create a successful system that contributes to the health and well-being of our residents.[facebook][retweet]