More Bikes Available Through University Program
Princeton University’s bike-share program is growing. Zagster, Inc. has deployed 70 new cruiser bikes at eight new locations in and around the campus for on-demand, local trips. The system now features 60 bikes at nine stations. Riders can join the program for a one-time $20 membership fee. Rides for members are free for the first two hours, and then two dollars for each additional hour after that.
Unlike other programs in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop during a reservation, Zagster’s program at Princeton gives users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want. “The significant expansion of bikes and locations is a reflection of the strong utilization of the existing program and of the demand for an even larger one,” said Timothy Ericson, Zagster’s CEO. “We’ve really just scratched the surface of what’s possible on campus and in the town.”
The program offers students the option to not bring a bike to campus when they move in, and provides a sustainable option to anyone looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint. The additional bikes provide convenient, healthy, and sustainable transportation options to students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Bikes can be found via an online map at www.zagster.com/princeton or through the free Zagster Mobile App — available for iPhone and Android. Each bike has a unique number, which riders enter into the app. The app displays a single-use code to open a lockbox on the back of the bike, which contains a key to the bike lock. (Alternatively, a rider can obtain the unlock code via a text message). A key in the lockbox allows the bike to be locked and unlocked throughout a ride. After the rider returns their bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.