Greater City ProvidenceYesterday, JUMP Bikes and the City of Providence announced an expansion of the city’s bike-share system. The system will now cover the entire city and more bikes are being added.
Press release from the Mayor’s Office:
Mayor Elorza and Uber Announce Expansion of JUMP Dockless Electric Bike Share in Providence
Expansion will more than triple the size of the service area to cover all of Providence and add more than 700 new e-bikes
Today, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and Uber announced that dockless electric bike share service JUMP will expand its service area to cover all of Providence. The new expansion will increase the number of bikes in the city to 1,100. Prices will remain the same with rides costing only $2 for every 30 minutes of riding. The expansion will result in up to an additional 22 full-time job opportunities in Providence to help oversee the program.
“The JUMP bike share program has been a big hit for Providence residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “A citywide service expansion and additional e-bikes will allow more people than ever before to explore and commute in Providence in an eco-friendly and fun way. By embracing innovative mobility options and improving connectivity in our neighborhoods we’re creating a more inclusive and vibrant capital city.”
Previously, JUMP serviced Downtown, Lower and Upper South Providence, Federal Hill, Smith Hill, Fox Point, College Hill, Wayland, Mount Hope, and portions of Elmwood, Hope, Valley, Washington Park, and the West End. The citywide expansion of the service area will include coverage to the entirety of those neighborhoods as well Blackstone, Charles, Elmhurst, Hartford, Manton, Mount Pleasant, Olneyville, Reservoir, South Elmwood, Silver Lake, and Wanskuck. This encompasses destinations like Roger Williams Park, Lippitt Park, and Rhode Island College.
Dockless bike share expands transportation options for residents by making it easier to rent a bike anywhere within the community, instead of designated stations. Best of all, JUMP bikes are electric and provide a boost with every pedal, making it easier for riders to get up hills and across town without breaking a sweat. This expansion is possible with the support of the City of Providence, the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA), and two sponsors, Lifespan and Tufts Health Plan.
“Our mission at JUMP is to get more people on bikes, so they have affordable and convenient ways to move around without needing a car,” said Persis Elavia, General Manager for JUMP in New England. “We’re excited to expand our service area in Providence and offer more residents a convenient and reliable way to move around the city.”
“We are very excited that JUMP and the city of Providence are expanding the footprint of the bike share program, and hope that all of Rhode Island’s residents get the chance to take a ride this year,” said Tom Croswell, Tufts Health Plan President, and CEO. “This bike share program promotes health through physical activity and also contributes to the health of the environment. Our collaboration with this program helps us further our mission to improve the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve.”
There are more than 40 hubs around the city where riders can conveniently park their bikes. It costs just $2 to start, and $0.07 per minute after thirty minutes and JUMP offers both cash-based and low-income memberships through the Boost plan – just $5 for the first year, then $5 per month for qualifying residents.
More Info
Form more information on the bike-share program, visit the JUMP Bikes website.
And now, JUMP has raised their rates beginning on Monday, July 15. My commute, which was 2.17 with tax (2.5 miles, about 15 minutes), will now cost a minimum of $4.50 plus tax, each way – it could be more if it takes me more than 15 minutes -if I add a quick stop on the way home, for example, I will pay .30/minute for the privilege. So, I can drive and pay to park for the same amount, or I can take the bus for less.
We’ve been had, Providence.