MOTU Announcement | Mayor Nutter Announces That Indego Bike Share Will Launch April 23

Philadelphia, March 30, 2015 –Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that the launch of the Indego bike share system will take place at noon on Thursday, April 23^rd at Eakins Oval. Members of the public are welcome to join the festive kick-off event, which will feature music, brief remarks, and a ceremonial ride on the new bikes by members of Indego. The docking stations where Indego bikes will be parked will operate 24 hours a day all year at 70 locations in neighborhoods from Point Breeze, Passyunk and Center City to Yorktown, Olde Kensington, Francisville and Spruce Hill. Bike share users can access bikes at any station by using member cards or credit/debit cards and return them to any other station.

“I am thrilled that we are launching Indego in less than 30 days. Great cities provide residents, commuters, and visitors with great transportation and recreation options. Indego adds another option to get around, stay healthy, and experience our wonderful City,” said Mayor Nutter.

Affordable membership options

Beginning today, memberships are available from www.rideindego.com. Users are encouraged to sign up before the April 23^rd launch.  System members will receive a key that allows to access a bike at any Indego station.  Indego30 is a 30-day membership plan that provides members unlimited one-hour rides.  It is priced at just $15 per month and is available with credit card, debit card, and cash payment options. For credit card customers, the membership will renew automatically and can be cancelled at any time. Cash payments will be facilitated by PayNearMe, an electronic cash payment system that allows consumers to make cash payments at local stores. After signing up for membership via the Indego website, PayNearMe will send each consumer a bar code by text message or email. Consumers then take that bar code to participating 7-Eleven or Family Dollar stores and pay for the Indego membership in cash.

All Indego members will get 10 percent off bicycle helmets at select bike shops and athletic stores around Philadelphia.

Membership discounts for Independence Blue Cross Members and Dollar Days for everyone

As the official sponsor of Indego bike share, Independence Blue Cross supports the health and wellness of all Philadelphians by encouraging everyone to integrate physical activity into our daily lives. Through September 30, 2015, Independence Blue Cross members can enjoy their first 30 days of an Indego30 membership for just $5. Additionally, on twelve Independence Dollar Days throughout the year, beginning with the May 15 Bike to Work Day, everyone can try Indego for just $1 for the first half hour.

“We believe Indego will inspire people to get outside and get active, and that will strengthen the well-being of Philadelphia,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence Blue Cross president and CEO. “That’s why we will give our members a 75 percent discount off the first month of membership and why we’ve arranged for 12 Dollar Days throughout the year when anyone in our community can ride an Indego bike for just one dollar.”

Indego is the first large bike share system in North America to offer:

• A 30-day membership that will renew automatically and can be cancelled at anytime;
• A pay-as-you-ride membership, in which you pay only for the rides you take;
• Membership options that include 60 minutes of ride time before users incur additional fees; and
• A cash payment option for 30-day memberships.

“We are proud that Indego will be America’s most accessible bike share program. Our pricing structure provides great value, puts customers in control of how much they spend, and is easy to understand. With options that allow members to take trips that last up to 60 minutes, we’ve made Indego a great option for getting around or just taking a ride to enjoy the city and get some exercise. For tourists, jumping on an Indego bike using our flat half-hour rate makes the decision to try Indego easy,” said Andrew Stober, Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities.

Indego Preview Event

Indego will hold a preview event on Thursday, April 2 from noon to 2 PM at Paine Plaza across from City Hall. During the event, a docking station and bikes will be on display, and visitors can try the system, find out about membership options, and purchase memberships.

More about bikes, stations and staying in the know

All Indego bikes will be equipped with a bell and front and rear lights. Each bike will also be inscribed with a safety message that encourages helmet use and cautions riders to yield to pedestrians, avoid riding on sidewalks, ride with traffic, and obey all traffic lights and signs.

“As a Philadelphia-based company, we are so proud to help make this amazing system a reality,” said Alison Cohen, President and CEO of Bike Transit. “Bike share is such an efficient, fun, and convenient way to get around. From promotion and to customer service to maintenance of the world class BCycle bikes, Indego is powered by Philadelphians for Philadelphians. We couldn’t be more excited to have such a positive impact on the City.”

Over the past eight months, officials from the City of Philadelphia have conducted public outreach, attended community meetings and invited Philadelphians to vote on station locations online, via text-message and paper surveys. More than 5,600 Philadelphians provided nearly 11,000 comments on station locations.  The City has placed stations where they will be useful, convenient and compatible with the surrounding environment.

For more information on Indego, the station locations, and updates on the program, including membership registration and docking station map, visit Philadelphia’s bike share program website: www.RideIndego.com.