Bixi station in Toronto (photo: Kenny D)
Fagstein reader Kenny D sent in this photo from Toronto, which is the latest city to be assimilated into the Bixi empire.
The official launch is Tuesday, May 3, with an official "first ride".
The rate is higher than in Montreal, at $95 a season or $40 a month, but that didn't stop 1,000 people from already signing up. More details are at Bixi's Toronto website, or the usual Toronto blogs.
I've just recently gotten a chance to regain my regular Bixi habits, lugging my helmet around with me wherever I go. It's still a bit cold, but it's nice to be able to spend some energy on a regular basis.
Not much has changed on the Montreal side this season, except that subscribers now get 45 minutes free per trip instead of 30, and there's a new three-day rate of $12.
No word on whether either city will get a tandem Bixi similar to what was given to William and Kate.
Note that the 45 minutes is only for the subscriptions. On a day or three day pass it's still 30 min.
autofill fail -- I'm not bixi montreal
Changes in Montréal? We also have really ugly advertising now :(
Um, where is the giant ad billboard that is a fixture of the Bixi Stations in Montreal?
I really want a tandem bixi. I'd even take the advertising.
We are still waiting for the auditor's report on the group running BIXI. Rumors that, despite its "success". it has lost millions.
At least it looks like they didn't use the bike stands to completely screw up street parking. Our Mayor is an anti-car zealot that uses everything in his power to screw up automobile traffic, including intentionally de-syncing traffic lights (Marcel Lauren in St Laurent is a great example... use to work perfect, now screwed solid since Montreal took over).
Too bad there are no stations near my office. Or near my home for that matter.