The company is looking at four different systems that are currently used around the globe. Two of the systems, Nextbike and Social Bicycles, utilize technology on the bikes themselves, while two others, Cycloshare and PBSC Urban Solutions, use so-called ‘smart’ docking stations. Bikeshare Hawaii is holding two open houses this month for residents to give each system a try and provide their feedback.
"With a smart kiosk and a bike, all the technology is in the kiosk, not all of it, but most of it,” said Lori McCarney, Bikeshare’s CEO. “With a smart bike, most of the technology is actually on the bike."
The open houses will be held at the Design Center on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Each visitor will be given a short survey to find out which system they prefer and how they plan on using Bikeshare.
“People can sit on the bikes, touch the bikes and then vote on different things that they like or don't like and let us know what they think," said McCarney.
The nonprofit launched in January 2014 with the help of a $2 million grant from the city and state, but needs to raise another $5 million before the program becomes a reality.
“We’re looking at different things from donations, sponsorships and even financing to get us going from a capital side,” said McCarney. “Once we’re up and operational, we will be self-sufficient.”
Bikeshare Hawaii will feature 200 docking stations and 2,000 bikes, while covering 7.2 square miles. The initial area of operation will stretch from Diamond Head to Chinatown on the makai side of the H1 Freeway, and include Makiki as well as the University of Hawaii. Kiosks will be placed 800 feet to 900 feet apart, or less than a quarter mile. The expectation is for thousands of rides each and every day.
"Once we get ramped up, we think we can get 5,000 to 10,000 rides on these bikes and try to get them used somewhere between two and five times a day," said Ben Trevino, Bikeshare’s president and COO.
The concept of bike sharing is simple, and has caught on in many large cities in Europe and the U.S. mainland. You check out a bike for a one-way trip, and then give it back when you arrive at your destination. Although you’ll likely need a debit or credit card to participate, the expected price is nearly within anyone’s reach.
"Sixty minutes of ride time, that doesn't expire, for about $7,” said Trevino, “And 500 minutes of ride time, that also doesn't expire, for $25 dollars."
Bikeshare Hawaii also anticipates offering monthly rates to local residents for either $15 or $25 depending on the plan. Anyone who rents a bike on a daily rate will be allowed to rollover unused minutes during their next trip.
“We’ve talked to other people in this industry and not all the systems do it that way, but that’s the direction that people really wish they can go,” said Trevino. “We’re going to try it out because we think it’s the best.”
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