Expansion will more than triple the size of the service area to cover all of Providence and add more than 700 new e-bikes
Monday, April 1, 2019
PROVIDENCE R.I.- Today, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and Uber announced that dockless electric bike share service JUMP will expand its service area to cover all of Providence. The new expansion will increase the number of bikes in the city to 1,100. Prices will remain the same with rides costing only $2 for every 30 minutes of riding. The expansion will result in up to an additional 22 full-time job opportunities in Providence to help oversee the program.
“The JUMP bike share program has been a big hit for Providence residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “A citywide service expansion and additional e-bikes will allow more people than ever before to explore and commute in Providence in an eco-friendly and fun way. By embracing innovative mobility options and improving connectivity in our neighborhoods we’re creating a more inclusive and vibrant capital city.”
Previously, JUMP serviced Downtown, Lower and Upper South Providence, Federal Hill, Smith Hill, Fox Point, College Hill, Wayland, Mount Hope, and portions of Elmwood, Hope, Valley, Washington Park, and the West End. The citywide expansion of the service area will include coverage to the entirety of those neighborhoods as well Blackstone, Charles, Elmhurst, Hartford, Manton, Mount Pleasant, Olneyville, Reservoir, South Elmwood, Silver Lake, and Wanskuck. This encompasses destinations like Roger Williams Park, Lippitt Park, and Rhode Island College.
Dockless bike share expands transportation options for residents by making it easier to rent a bike anywhere within the community, instead of designated stations. Best of all, JUMP bikes are electric and provide a boost with every pedal, making it easier for riders to get up hills and across town without breaking a sweat. This expansion is possible with the support of the City of Providence, the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) and two sponsors, Lifespan and Tufts Health Plan.
“Our mission at JUMP is to get more people on bikes, so they have affordable and convenient ways to move around without needing a car,” said Persis Elavia, General Manager for JUMP in New England. “We’re excited to expand our service area in Providence and offer more residents a convenient and reliable way to move around the city.”
“We are very excited that JUMP and the city of Providence are expanding the footprint of the bike share program, and hope that all of Rhode Island’s residents get the chance to take a ride this year,” said Tom Croswell, Tufts Health Plan President, and CEO. “This bike share program promotes health through physical activity and also contributes to the health of the environment. Our collaboration with this program helps us further our mission to improve the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve.”
There are more than 40 hubs around the city where riders can conveniently park their bikes. It costs just $2 to start, and $0.07 per minute after thirty minutes and JUMP offers both cash-based and low-income memberships through the Boost plan – just $5 for the first year, then $5 per month for qualifying residents.
About JUMP
In 2017, JUMP bikes launched the first ever dockless electric bike share system in the United States. In May 2018, Uber acquired JUMP as part of its mission to expand the menu of affordable, reliable transportation options available within the Uber app and make it even easier for residents to get across town without relying on their own personal vehicle. JUMP’s pedal-assist bikes are available in 16 US cities.
The bikes feature an integrated lock and GPS to ensure that they are locked within the pilot area to a physical feature like bike racks or street signs when done riding. “Lock-to” technology helps ensure bikes are kept out of streets or crosswalks, and it helps to prevent reckless, unsafe or inconsiderate behavior from riders that can create negative impacts on safety, the public way, and neighborhood aesthetics.
How it Works:
With both the Uber and JUMP mobile apps, users can find and unlock JUMP pedal-assist e-bikes. It’s simple to use.
Via Uber:
- Tap Bike in the menu of the Uber app.
- You’ll see the available JUMP bikes around you and can select one to reserve.
- The app will give you a pin so you can unlock your bike.
Via JUMP:
- Download the JUMP Bikes app to create an account.
- Use the in-app map to find and reserve bikes – or simply walk up to a bike and enter your phone number and four-digit pin.
- Once you’re finished riding, you must lock the bike to any JUMP hub, public rack, or city infrastructure in the service area shown on the app’s map.
To learn more about JUMP Bikes and pedal-assist technology, visit www.jumpbikes.com.