The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced a comprehensive expansion of the dockless vehicle sharing program for 2019, under which 10 occupancy permits will be given to dockless bike operators.
The 10 approved permits will allow up to 6,000 vehicles on the D.C. streets as part of the new plan for 2019. On October 26, 2018, DDOT had made public the proposed ruling for the Dockless Vehicle Sharing.
DDOT Director Jeff Marootian said that they are pleased with the quality and number of dockless operators in the 2019 program. “With our requirements on affordability and equity, we have created new choices for residents in all eight wards, while fostering a landscape of competition among operators that will reward the most innovative, safe and efficient providers of dockless bikes and scooters,” said Marootian.
Six more permits will be granted to operators by March 21, 2019 after they meet permit terms and conditions set by DDOT.
The 2019 program will see a significant expansion of scooter companies, and also increase the availability of scooter services across the District.
DDOT is expecting undeserved communities to get more access to the scooter services under the 2019 program and also meet the environmental and safety goals of Sustainable D.C. and Vision Zero. By the year end, about 16,800 vehicles will be covered under the new program.
All 12 potential operators for 2019 will provide unlimited half-hour rides for free to individuals with an income level at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. They will also keep cash options for payment and a smart phone will no longer be needed for renting vehicles.
Hopr (motorized bicycles and electric scooters), Jump (motorized bicycles), Lyft (electric scooters), Razor (electric scooters), Ridecell (motorized bicycles and electric scooters), Skip (electric scooters), Spin (electric scooters), and Wind (electric scooters) are included among the 2019 Dockless Vehicle Sharing operators that received conditional approval from DDOT.