The overview
The changes will raise the pay-as-you-go fare structure and cut the included ride time before overtime fees kick in—down from 60 to 30 minutes. Officials say the updates are meant help cover operation and maintenance costs of the new high-tech bike system and to encourage shorter rides with more frequent docking.
According to CapMetro documents, an estimated 88% of all rides already occur within 30 minutes.
These rate adjustments will go into effect Aug. 1, after unanimous board approval April 21.
CapMetro Bikeshare fares have not been updated since 2013, said Brandi Mohler, Capmetro’s director of revenue and fares. The adjustments are necessary to support current operations and maintenance as well as future expansion, she told board members.
While the program is currently focused in the downtown area, the transit agency has plans to expand to additional sites throughout the city.
Having received federal funding in Oct. 2023, the organization announced an $11.3 million 10-year contract with PBSC Urban Solutions, Inc. in Jan. 2024.
The funding will contribute to the estimated $20.6 million total expansion plans of Austin’s bike share system, a January 2024 news release states.
Coined a “key piece of Austin’s transit toolkit,” this investment would effectively triple the bike share system, including 80 Bikeshare stations, 1,000 docks and 800 bicycles, according to CapMetro documents.
Of note
Even with raised user fares, the increased fees will still not cover the entire costs of operations and maintenance, CapMetro CEO Dottie Watkins said.
“The Bikeshare program, overall, has for a very long time required subsidy of its operating costs to stay functioning... We recognize that having a fully functioning and well-supported bike share program is a public good,” Watkins said. “Raising the fares will help us rebalance and lower the amount of other public funds that are necessary to support the operation. But the fares in and of themselves will not cover the full cost of operating the system.”
What else?
Fare increases will also impact day, month and annual passes.
However, student passes—though now expanded to include trade schools, nursing schools, high schools and other educational institutions—will be over five times more expensive, jumping from just $12 annually to $75.
Additionally, CapMetro reports that students account for 90% of its total Bikeshare ridership.
CapMetro board member Zohaib Qadri, also a District 9 city council member, raised concerns about the price tag for students.
“For a lot of students $75 is a lot—it could be the difference between maybe buying a textbook or having enough money [for food],” Qadri said.
Staff indicated that the team will monitor the program as the new fare structure is rolled out, weighing potential options for a month–to-month or semester student pass options.
Learn more
Individuals can rent and pay for a bike rental via the CapMetro Bikeshare app as well as the new Transit app for CapMetro services.
Those interested can find additional information about the CapMetro Bikeshare program here.
