New partnerships with Spin and Jump will provide residents and visitors with expanded transportation sharing options

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Michelle Pourciau today announced that the existing dockless vehicle pilot program will extend through April 30, 2019 with the addition of two new vendors. The dockless pilot program was originally scheduled to conclude at the end of February, but has been prolonged based on positive feedback and evaluation. During the extension period members of the City Council will consider a bill to make the program permanent.

“The Department of Transportation’s preliminary assessment of its dockless vehicle program shows that dockless technology is providing effective alternative transportation options for citizens in Baltimore City,” said Director Pourciau.  “These bike and scooter share systems which operate without any physical stations have expanded transportation access for residents and visitors throughout the city, and help us to meet our goal of providing more efficient and sustainable transportation options for everyone."

Since the launch of the pilot program, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has been evaluating the safety, usage, and public perception of this initiative under the guidance of the Dockless Vehicle Committee. Data reviews indicate a successful start to the program, and a full evaluation of this initiative will be released in the coming weeks.

The move by DOT to extend the pilot program is based on a variety of factors, including a safety study performed by the Baltimore City Health Department, the widespread usage of dockless vehicles across the city and the high number of rides taken.  A recent survey of over 5,000 people conducted by DOT also indicated that 81% are in favor of this new initiative which provides more efficient and sustainable transportation options.

In addition to extending the current program, the Department of Transportation will be partnering with two additional vendors for the remainder of the pilot.  New partnerships with Spin and Jump will provide residents and visitors with expanded transportation sharing choices in the city.  These partnerships will enable DOT to better gauge the market for dockless vehicles as the warmer weather approaches, and will provide additional data regarding the number of vehicles that DOT would allow to operate in the city if the program becomes permanent.

“Extending the pilot program, and adding new operators, is a strong statement of support from the City for creative solutions to our transit challenges,” said Jon Laria, Chair of the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission.  “I'm optimistic we'll have good legislation in place this spring, which will allow us to further expand our fleet of dockless bikes and scooters."

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