Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bike Sharing

Bloomberg: Citi Bike Software Not Ready for Prime Time Yet

The hold-up with NYC's bike-share launch is technical, not political. Mayor Bloomberg revealed this afternoon that Citi Bike is behind schedule because of kinks in the system's software that are still being worked out.

The Public Bike System Company, which produces the kiosks and bikes for NYC's system, recently switched software providers, claiming that its former provider was overbilling. The new software apparently isn't ready to be deployed.

The Times' Thomas Kaplan relays Bloomberg's take on the problem, which he shared with reporters at an unrelated press event this afternoon:

“The only thing about a delay — if it turns out that there is one — is that people won’t be able to use something that we think will be phenomenally popular. But until we get it working perfectly, have these private companies do it to our satisfaction, we’re just not going to put it out.”

The mayor also seemed amused by the consternation over the program’s start date.

“What’s fascinating,” he said, “is there was a lot of screaming, ‘We don’t want bikes,’ and now everybody’s screaming, ‘We want ’em now.’”

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Adams Backs Lower Speed Limits, Calls Crashes ‘Accidents’

The mayor wants New York City drivers to "slow down," but it's not clear yet how many streets will get lower speed limits.

May 8, 2024

Wednesday’s Headlines: Trump Posts About Congestion Pricing Edition

Donald Trump comments on congestion pricing — no surprise, he's against it. Plus more news.

May 8, 2024

DOT Aims to Build First Ave. Tunnel Bike Lane Before September’s UN General Assembly

DOT hopes to have the concrete-protect tunnel bike lane installed this summer, but its exact plans are still in development.

May 7, 2024

Waste Reforms Could Require Data on Crashes, Dangerous Driving

The proposal affects at least one trucking company with a deadly driving record.

May 7, 2024

When it Comes to Federal Infrastructure Grants, Size Does Matter

Cities and municipalities with larger budgets and staff are more likely to win competitive federal infrastructure grants, the Urban Institute has found.

May 7, 2024
See all posts