REVOLUTIONARY 'MOBILITY CENTER' LAUNCHES IN SEATTLE
GIVING CHOICE, FLEXIBILITY TO COMMUTERS
Bikestation Seattle features bicycle, scooter, and car rentals,
automated bike storage and bike service, all connected to public transportation.
Seattle, WA - The first of a groundbreaking new connected service for transportation - Bikestation Seattle - officially opened its doors and its automated bike-commute facility today, creating a true "mobility center" in downtown Seattle's Pioneer Square.
The new service offers in one location the nation's largest range of clean transportation options, providing flexible connections and access to multiple modes of transportation. It features 24/7 secure bicycle storage and automated bike rental, a daily bike repair service, electric scooters, access to car sharing and direct links to public transportation.
By giving commuters and travelers more choices, this "clean mobility center" helps to improve air quality, reduce parking demand and congestion and enhance the quality of life for the commuter and the community.
"Switching from a car-commute to a bike-commute has an immediate impact on regional congestion, in that it makes everyone's commute at least one car better - and that keeps us all in better shape," said King County Executive Ron Sims, who also chairs the Sound Transit Board of Directors.
The metropolitan Seattle area is leading the nation with this next-generation transportation service, in what could eventually be a network of integrated, transit-connected centers. The region is well suited to leadership, being a national trendsetter in everything from electronics to coffee. Interestingly, there are some parallels when it comes to providing choice: just as consumers now have remarkable options in their morning brew - double decaf non-fat latte - commuters are starting to have choice in their transportation - bike, scooter, bus, car, with secure storage and service.
"America's cities are grappling with congestion, parking shortages and air pollution caused by cars," said John Boesel, president of WestStart, the advanced transportation consortium which help to lead the project. "To encourage people to use public transportation, we need to look at innovative mobility solutions that will save people time and money. This project is an example of the type of seamless transit connections that are needed to compete with the personal automobile."
The project's partners are transportation trailblazers: King County Metro Transit, one of the nation's most innovative public transportation agencies; WestStart, the nation's largest advanced transportation consortium; Bikestation, a leader in connected bike services; City of Seattle; Sound Transit; Flexcar, the nation's largest car-sharing provider; and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration.
"I salute this public-private collaboration to strengthen our transportation network and make a difference to the lives of our citizens in the Puget Sound region," said Senator Patty Murray, (D-Washington), a leading advanced transportation advocate. "Just as importantly, this project can become an example - a template - for efforts to reduce congestion and clean the air elsewhere in our region and the nation."
How does Bikestation Seattle work? Travelers can now bike or ferry into downtown Seattle and store their bikes in a secure, indoor location, accessible 24/7. They can complete their trips on public transportation. They can access Flexcar to use a hybrid vehicle for a business meeting or an emergency trip, or ride public transportation to downtown and then rent a bike or electric scooter, accessed via an electronic key and a membership card. The system is designed to be simple, secure and flexible.
Members who purchase an Annual Service Plan will also receive Metro's Home Free Guarantee, an emergency ride service that is available in the event of a bicycle breakdown or illness.
"Bikestation Seattle is the first of a network of centers planned for the Puget Sound," said Mark Shandrow, executive director of Bikestation. "Members will ultimately be able to swipe their membership cards at any Bikestation facility, and receive quick and easy access to the location most convenient to them."
Bikestation Seattle is located in a restored space of the historic Mottman Building (311 3rd Avenue South) in Pioneer Square, across from the King Street Station. The facility is highlighted by a stunning glass-enclosed bicycle storage and bike checkout system that is accessible 24/7 to members. During regular business hours, the glass doors lift up to incorporate a retail space that includes a bike repair service and Internet kiosk for member check-in and commute information.
Visit www.bikestation.org for more information on the Bikestation Seattle services and hours of operation. Visit www.weststart.org for more information on the latest advanced transportation trends and technologies.
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