Boston Metro Hubway Expands Income-Eligibility For Bike Share

BOSTON, MA — Hubway is known as a convenient way to get around Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville for a rather small rental fee. But that small fee hasn't been so small for everyone. Now the metro area bike share system wants to make it easier and more affordable for those who are considered low income.

Previously if you wanted to rent one of the public bikes and use it to get to get to work or run an errand, folks who are considered low-income could qualify for a special $5 per month rate, but that program was narrow.

Now, low-income residents can qualify for $5 per month or $50 per year memberships by showing they participate in one of 11 assistance programs, anything from the Free or Reduced Lunch program to MassHealth or SNAP or Public Housing in the cities of Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville, and Hubway operator Motivate, announced.

"Ensuring equity in our transportation network is a key priority of Go Boston 2030, the City of Boston’s long term transportation plan," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh in a statement. "In Boston, we are working to make sure transportation for all residents is equitable, reliable, and affordable, and this upcoming expansion of our bike share system will help Boston continue to meet its goals, and ensure excellent transportation choices for everyone."

The Income-Eligible Program is part of Hubway and the municipalities’ ongoing commitment to improve bike share access among traditionally underserved populations in the Boston metro area. The program provides the discounted memberships to income-eligible individuals over the age of 16 and includes unlimited 60-minute trips, rather than the standard 30-minute trips.

"Equity is vital to the health and vibrancy of Brookline, the surrounding municipalities, and the region, and the expanded income-eligible program will help us achieve these goals by ensuring all residents have access to active transportation," said Neil Wishinsky, head of Brookline Select Board in a statement.

Officials from Cambridge and Somerville also noted their communities were committed to fostering equity and promoting access to sustainable transportation.

"Riding a bicycle can be one of the most cost effective ways to get around an urban environment like Somerville, and expanded Hubway membership opportunities will bring needed equity to bike sharing at an important time," said Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone.

This announcement comes on the heels of another Hubway announcement: This spring, the Hubway system will become "Blue Bikes" on account of a new sponsorship with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Hubway has more than 190 stations and 1,800 bikes. The system has more than 15,000 members across the Boston metro region. Since beginning in July 2011, riders have taken more than 6.5 million trips, according to Motivate.

By the end of 2019, there will be 3,000 Blue Bikes on the streets — up from the 1,800 today — and more than 100 new stations. Blue Cross’ support will allow for upgrades to the system overall, with brand new bikes, new mobile app features and more valet service at busy stations. Blue Bikes will continue to be a public transportation system, owned by the municipalities of Boston, Cambridge, Brookline and Somerville, and operated by Motivate, according to the operators.

Who can qualify for the reduced rate now?

Any one who holds proof of:

Participants in the programs listed above can sign up at locations in each city, available by visiting thehubway.com. Those who do not participate in any public assistance program may still qualify based on their individual or family income and can register in-person at the locations listed online.

"This expanded Income-Eligible Program will make Hubway more affordable for thousands of residents -- opening up countless new connections across the Boston area," said Jay Walder, President and CEO of Motivate. "Hubway has been a pioneering model for bike share systems in cities across the country, and it continues to lead the way today in ensuring access for all residents -- no matter their income level."

-Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch