New Yorkers Frustrated by Rising Citi Bike Prices
The cost of riding an electric Citi Bike has become a growing concern for New Yorkers, with some regular riders saying prices have become unaffordable.
Keith Copley, a frequent Citi Bike user, described the situation as “crazy,” particularly as electric-bike charges have increased significantly in recent years.
According to data recently released by Transportation Alternatives, a typical Citi Bike electric-bike trip for an annual member can now cost about $12.15. The same ride cost approximately $4.50 in 2020. The advocacy group said Citi Bike has implemented eight price increases to its per-minute e-bike surcharge fees since 2021.
The cost is also significantly higher than in several other major cities. Transportation Alternatives said a comparable ride costs about $4.50 in Boston, $2.30 in Paris, $1.35 in London and $1.05 in Tokyo.
Alexa Sledge of Transportation Alternatives said New York treats public bike sharing more like private transportation, while many other cities consider bike-share systems part of public transportation and provide public subsidies to keep costs lower.
Citi Bike, owned by Lyft, operates under a contract with New York City that runs through 2029.
At least three bills are currently pending in the New York City Council aimed at making Citi Bike more affordable. One proposal would use city funding to subsidize the program and cap the cost of a ride at $3.
Council Member Christopher Marte, a co-sponsor of the proposal, said passing the legislation would give the city greater leverage in negotiations over the bike-share program.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration also said it is committed to making New York more affordable, including through transportation options such as Citi Bike. Deputy Press Secretary Jeremy Edwards said the administration would seek the strongest possible benefits for riders and their wallets in upcoming negotiations.
Lyft, which owns Citi Bike, did not immediately respond to questions about the reasons behind the rising prices.
