Lyft Showcases Bike-Share Technology to Dublin Councillors

A San Francisco-based transport company, Lyft, recently visited Dublin to showcase its bike-share technology as the city prepares for the upcoming tender process for the Dublin Bikes contract. The current contract, held by JC Decaux, is set to end in September 2027. Lyft invited local councillors to a demonstration of its docked-bike system, which includes both pedal and electric bikes.

If there is a change in the Dublin Bikes operator, it could lead to the complete replacement of the existing infrastructure, which has been in place for 16 years. Pricing may also shift; a recent switch in Belfast resulted in significant cost increases for users. According to the BBC, the previous pricing in Belfast had not kept pace with inflation. Lyft expressed confidence in its ability to modernize bike-share systems, stating that ridership in Barcelona grew by over 50% after the introduction of their technology.

Lyft stated to The Journal, “We have a proven track record of replacing ageing systems with best-in-class charging stations, pedal bikes, and ebikes. Lyft was excited to visit Dublin and learn from stakeholders about their needs for the next generation of the Dublin Bikes program. We look forward to continuing the discussion over the coming months.”

Future of Dublin Bikes

Currently, Dublin Bikes operates under an advertising partnership with JC Decaux, which initiated a ‘bikes for billboards’ agreement in 2006. In exchange for managing the bike-share scheme, JC Decaux has the right to place billboards and digital displays in public spaces throughout the city. The Dublin City Council plans to initiate a procurement process in advance of the contract expiration to ensure a smooth transition.

JC Decaux holds ownership of the Dublin Bikes infrastructure and indicated through the Business Post that if its contract is not extended, it will dismantle the existing network. Feljin Jose, a city councillor and transport spokesman for the Green Party, emphasized the need for a well-funded and accessible bike-share service moving forward. He noted that the current arrangement is outdated, stating, “The current ‘bikes for billboards’ arrangement was from a time when funding for active travel was near impossible to get. However, giving large billboards as a revenue stream for the operator is not a sustainable method to operate public services.” Jose further criticized the rigidity of the current agreement, which hampers expansion into new areas.

Lyft’s Global Presence

Lyft’s presence in Ireland is already established following its acquisition of the Freenow taxi app earlier this year. The company operates a ride-sharing service in the United States, similar to Uber, and has a reach that spans 14 countries, deploying nearly 200,000 bikes. The firm’s approach centers around station-based bike-sharing, which aligns with the existing Dublin Bikes model. Lyft stated, “This system keeps bikes organized and out of the way of footpaths, which can help prevent accessibility issues, antisocial behavior, and street clutter.”

Lyft’s bike-sharing systems are operational in major cities such as London, Madrid, and Toronto. In addition to Dublin Bikes, two stationless bike-sharing schemes, Bleeper and Moby, are also active in Dublin.

As discussions continue, the future of Dublin Bikes remains a key focus, with stakeholders considering how best to modernize the service while ensuring it meets the needs of a growing urban population.