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Save SoBi - Continue the bike share operations

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The SoBi bike share system in Hamilton needs your help to keep rolling and continue providing an essential service this year. Donate now to put the operations of SoBi Hamilton back into the capable hands of the local nonprofit operator, Hamilton Bike Share Inc.

On May 15, Uber notified the City of Hamilton that they would cease operations of the fleet of city-owned bikes. On May 27, emergency ward infrastructure funding from the City was denied in an 8-8 tie vote at the end of a 15 hour council meeting.

By donating to our fund, you will enable us to make a pitch to continue operating the bikes at no cost to the City of Hamilton, and help the system along a path toward financial sustainability.

We’ve done this before. As the sub-contracted, local operator of Hamilton’s Bike Share system from 2014 to 2019, our nonprofit organization has the experience and expertise to take over operations immediately.  A transition of operations back to HBSI will also ensure that Hamiltonians retain access to a safe, essential mode of transportation during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds will be used to continue operating the bike share system for the current 26,000+ users and future riders. We commit to continuing  the service levels that riders rely on, including maintaining the bikes, rebalancing the system, and supporting riders.

The Everyone Rides Initiative, Hamilton Bike Share's equity program, has over 500 riders who depend on the program's subsidized memberships, programming, and adaptive bikes to access housing, social services, employment, and to be physically active. As many of us face unemployment or job insecurity in the face of COVID-19, ERI becomes that much more important. Without bike share, there is no cycling equity.

The environmental, public health, and economic benefits of the bike share system make Hamilton a better place for everyone, even those who don't use bike share to get around.

Your support will help keep the wheels spinning as we implement a stop-gap solution to prevent the bike share system from shutting down. Hamilton Bike Share Inc. will also continue exploring options for long-term solutions such as sponsorship/ad revenue, and more. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, get in touch with us to discuss how you can help and be recognized.

Thank you!

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We have also called on Uber to fulfill their commitments and contribute to operations.  If they fulfill this commitment to February, or if we aren't able to use the funds for continuing bike share then we would refund the donations.

Donations will be used to fund the continuation of bike share operations so the system is not shuttered. 
That includes covering all the operational costs like rebalancing, bike maintenance, customer support, software connectivity, workshop space, and the team doing this labour. HBSI is an incorporated local not for profit governed by a board of directors and a living wage employer.
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Donations 

  • John Terpstra
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Hamilton Bike Share Inc .
Organizer
Hamilton, ON

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