Bike share riders in Eugene and Springfield probably won’t notice any differences, but the system will soon have new management. Starting late this month, the City of Eugene will operate the blue bicycle service.
Wheels have been turning behind the scenes of PeaceHealth Rides, which has helped people get across town for over two years. Uber, which bought the ride share service, has opted out of the bike and scooter business. So, soon, the City of Eugene will own the bicycles and stations. Marcy Marshall with PeaceHealth says, "Everything’s the same, they’ll continue to operate with the same policies, services, and prices. What Uber will be doing is contacting current members and issuing refunds to those who prepaid for services.”
Marshall says the City will take over as interim manager until a new partner is found. The 300 blue cruisers have averaged about one ride each per day during the pandemic, down from about 900 total rides per day before.
On May 29th three of the bikes were damaged when they were used to vandalize businesses on 6th Street in Eugene. Marshall says those bikes are being repaired.
The City of Eugene sees the bike share service as an integral part of its transit system. Over 21,000 PeaceHealth Ride accounts have been created since the program began.
