First bike share scheme in region launched before big roll-out
THE first of 5,000 bikes have arrived on the streets of Wolverhampton ahead of the launch of a ‘Boris Bikes’-style scheme across the region.
The West Midlands’ first share scheme, with 25 bikes and five stations, was launched in Wolverhampton as part of a trial ahead of a full launch later this year.
Five thousand bikes and hundreds of stations will eventually be installed across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Solihull.
The scheme has been instigated by Transport for West Midlands, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
It will be delivered and managed by Nextbike, which operates more than 200 schemes worldwide.
Members of the public will also be able to hire the pilot bikes on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The landmark scheme is expected to create 50 new jobs, including area managers, van drivers and mechanics.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “I am delighted to be here for the launch of the bike share trial in Wolverhampton City Centre.
“These are the first of thousands of Nextbikes coming to the West Midlands which will give people an even greater choice in how to get around, especially in our major towns and cities.
“This is part of an ongoing revolution in public transport which is also seeing the development new Metro tram routes, opening of new rail stations and development of rapid bus services.”