LOS ANGELES - Metro announced the launch of a county-wide program to implement a bike share system by Spring 2016.On Thursday, the Metro Board of Directors voted to award an $11 million contract to Bicycle Transit Systems, Inc. to launch a pilot bike share system with a network of 1100 bikes at 65 stations in Downtown Los Angeles.
According to Metro, the launch will follow an extensive public outreach process to give local residents, business owners and other stakeholders the opportunity participate in the planning of the county's newest form of transportation. As the community input process advances, bicycles will be available for short-term hire at a wealth of downtown locations such as Union Station, L.A. Convention Center, Staples Center, Grand Park/Music Center, 7th Street/Metro Center, Grand Central Market, Pershing Square, the Arts District, the future Figueroa Cycle Track corridor, University of Southern California area and numerous attractions.
Metro plans to expand the system to Pasadena in 2017 following the Downtown LA launch, followed by locations in North Hollywood and elsewhere thereafter.