A city Transportation Department spokeswoman announced that an e-scooter sharing program launched in the Bronx nearly two years ago will expand into eastern Queens in 2024.
According to DOT commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, the Bronx scooter program was a success.
“I am thrilled that our e-scooter sharing program is here to stay and will expand to eastern Queens,” Rodriguez stated. Our lofty aims were accomplished and exceeded by our pilot program; now it’s time to expand its availability to new neighborhoods.
According to DOT data, over 115,400 scooter rental accounts have been opened since the program’s summer 2021 launch in the Bronx, and during that time, the government has tracked over two million rides.
The electric-powered scooters have been hailed as a crucial stop-gap tool in areas with poor access to public transportation.
While the DOT had not yet decided on the exact boundaries for the scooter program’s expansion to Queens, department spokesman Vin Barone said it would cover about 20 square miles, providing access to approximately 600,000 residents from Flushing and Auburndale in the north to Rochdale Village and Springfield Gardens in the south.
According to Barone, the precise boundaries will be decided with input from the public.
The same three companies will run the scooter rentals in Queens as in the Bronx: Bird, Lime, and Veo.
The same safety features, such as a built-in 15 mph speed limit and a ten mph “beginner mode” for new riders, will be included on the scooters.
The savings that apply to Bronx residents will also apply to riders from Queens. E-scooters will also be available for rent at a reduced price to any New Yorker who qualifies for government, state, or local assistance programs.
JOIN US ON WHAT'SAPP, TO GET INSTANT STATUS UPDATES AND BE IN THE KNOW.
CLICK HERE
