Europe’s first joint private-public bikeshare integration launched in Madrid
By offering increased visibility and access to both BiciMad and Bird’s e-bikes, the bikeshare integration bids to help Madrid Municipal Transport Company decarbonise with a sustainable energy model.
The Madrid Municipal Transport Company (EMT), in partnership with micromobility operator Bird, has launched Europe’s first joint bikeshare integration with Bird’s shared e-bikes integrated into Madrid’s Mobility 360 transit app. In addition, the city’s BiciMad public bikeshare is now accessible via Bird’s app.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Spanish capital’s €1bn investment in EMT introduced by mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida earlier this year.
Sustainable energy model
By offering increased visibility and access to both BiciMad and Bird’s e-bikes, the integration bids to help EMT become a decarbonised organisation with a sustainable energy model.
“The Madrid Municipal Transport Company is leading the way in bringing more sustainable mobility solutions to residents and visitors, and Bird is committed to doing everything we can to support [it],” said Brian Buccella, Bird’s senior vice president of global policy.
“This innovative joint bikeshare integration is a perfect example of how cities and transportation providers can work hand-in-hand to improve mobility for everyone while driving modeshift to eco-friendly transportation.”
Once tapped, riders will immediately connect to BiciMad where rentals can be started in a matter of moments. Additionally, Bird Bikes are also accessible in Madrid’s Mobility 360 transit app alongside BiciMad and BiciMad Go vehicles.
“This innovative joint bikeshare integration is a perfect example of how cities and transportation providers can work hand-in-hand to improve mobility for everyone while driving modeshift to eco-friendly transportation”
The location and battery level of Bird Bikes are clearly visible, as well as a feature that allows riders to calculate the route, time and estimated cost of the journey.
Bird’s ambition is to replace the billions of short car trips that take place globally with trips on eco-friendly micro-electric vehicles.
Bird said its smart bikeshare programme, which launched last summer, is designed to amplify the reach and usage of local bikeshare service providers through private-public partnerships.
Through the programme, cities can also utilise bikes offered from Bird. The company reports the smart bikeshare integration is currently live in US cities including Los Angeles, Austin, San Antonio and Milwaukee, as well as European cities including Rome, Bordeaux, and Madrid.
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