It seems that Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority have secured a new contract for rental bikes and e-scooters in Birmingham, with Lime picking up the contract.
The scheme will introduce more than 2000 new bikes and e-scooters to Birmingham and the University of Warwick campus. Lime will take on the management of the official regional hire scheme following a competitive bidding process.
Importantly for those feeling the squeeze in their council tax spending, it will mark the first time that the micromobility scheme will operate at no cost to the taxpayer. Until now, cycle hire has cost £1.4m a year to run.
Lime is introducing a new fare structure but has committed to maintaining 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 (Birmingham Areas, as well as the University of Warwick Campus), but local councils, TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and Lime can also work together to grow the network.
Currently, the scheme is being operated by Beyrl. Previously, Voi operated e-scooters in Birmingham.
In Quotes
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, 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.”
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”
Beccy Marston, West Midlands Active Travel Commissioner, said:
“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.”
Coming 1st April
With contracts signed (and seemingly, WMCA not paying much at all for it), we can expect further information about the implementation of it as we get closer to April (as well as the transition from the current provider… no doubt, it will be time to download another app for your collection again)
However, knowing the locals, the bikes and e-scooters will be treated in the usual way by the locals (amazingly, I couldn’t see one on the floor today).
Empty Bike and Scooter Bays.
The modern street furniture.
There’s one fly in the ointment – Lime won’t be doing this out of the goodness of their heart. They’ll be seeking to recoup their investment.
I’d be extremely careful on pricing after the second year they operate rental services in the area…
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