A bike share program is returning to Syracuse, and it’s adding e-scooters to its options. Syracuse’s Chief Operating Officer Corey Dunham says the program has an important purpose beyond a fun activity.
“For some folks this will be recreational, for some folks this might be a necessity that they’ll need in order to get that last mile to where they need to go, whether that’s to home to work, any place they need to go. It’s great to have these alternatives.”
Accessibility for all residents has been a top priority for Mayor Ben Walsh. This announcement follows an earlier one: The mayor’s municipal sidewalk program.
Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens says the bike share is a necessity. The goal is to narrow the transportation gap, and give more people access to jobs and opportunities.
“As we look at our ability to create an equitable city, for our ability to provide the access for individuals, transportation is a big part of how you maneuver around this city," said Owens.
"So not only to have these accessible to people, and available, because for some people, for many people who don’t have cars in this community, this can be another option for their mobility in the city.”
The city is relaunching the Syracuse Sync program withVeo, which operates in over 40 communities across the United States and is the first profitable micromobility company.
The city expects to have an initial fleet of 50 bikes and 250 electric scooters in service this fall. A list of current location of bikes and scooters will be available on Syracuse’s page of the Veo website. Bikes and scooter locations will be adjusted based on usage.
To access the bikes or scooters, you’ll need to download the Veo app. Then, scan the bar code on whichever bike or scooter you’re wanting to rent. Bikes and scooters will be available 24 hours a day, but overnight hours are subject ot change. Standard pricing is one dollar to unlock and 31 cents per minute for a scooter and 20 cents per minute for a bike.
