Citi Bike fare bill seeks $3 flat rate as NYC cyclists cite steep cost of rides
EAST WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Transit advocates and cyclists are pushing for legislation that would cap Citi Bike rides at $3, arguing that New York City's bike-share system has become too expensive for many riders.
On a summer evening in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Wednesday, a Citi Bike docking station sat full, suggesting ample supply but limited demand.
Some cyclists said the cost of riding has become prohibitive.
"Insanely expensive," one rider said.
Alex, a bicyclist who owns her own bike, said the cost puts the service out of reach for many people.
"Working class people... I don't know that they can do that. That's a luxury," Alex said.
Another rider echoed those concerns.
"Pretty expensive. It's not cheap enough that I can pay a regular commuting toll," the rider said.
According to transit advocates, a 45-minute ride on an electric Citi Bike costs four times more than a subway or bus ride and nearly three times more than a ferry trip.
Advocates also argue that New York's bike-share system is uniquely expensive compared with those in other cities.
Transportation Alternatives said the cost of that ride in New York has increased from $4.50 in 2020 to $12.15 in 2026, making it the most expensive bike-share program for riders in the country. The advocacy group said the same ride costs $4.50 in Boston, $2.30 in Paris, $1.35 in London and $1.05 in Tokyo.
As a result, cyclists and advocates are backing a bill that would set the cost of every ride at $3.
"In the past five, six years, prices have really gone up. Much faster than inflation. Every other bike share system around the world is paid for by a combination of tax dollars and user fees. New York City is pretty distinct in that the entire cost of the system is born by bike riders who pay for it themselves," said Ben Furnace of Transportation Alternatives.
If approved, the legislation would require the city to subsidize the remaining cost of rides.
Citi Bike operates under an exclusive contract with the Department of Transportation, allowing it to function as a monopoly through 2029.
City Councilmember Christopher Marte, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the city should take a hard line in negotiations.
"I think we have to come into negotiations extremely hard. Whether it's supporting a blanket $3 fee for all Citi Bikes and if they don't accept those terms, I think we have to allow competitions to come in," Marte said.
The proposed legislation remains under consideration as advocates continue to press for lower fares and greater affordability for riders.
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