Puget Sound Bike Share selects Alta Bicycle Share as operator; Phase I to launch in Spring 2014

Puget Sound Bike Share announced today that it has selected Portland-based Alta Bicycle Share as its operator/vendor to plan, launch and sustain a regional bike share network beginning with approximately 500 bikes and 50 stations in Seattle and eventually expanding into other areas of the Puget Sound region.

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One of the most experienced bike share companies in North America, Alta is the vendor/operator behind the highly successful Capital Bike Share in Washington D.C. and Boston’s Hubway. In the coming months, Alta will launch Citibike in New York City, the largest bike share network in the nation, as well as systems in Chicago, Vancouver, B.C., Portland and San Francisco.

Puget Sound Bike Share announced the selection of Alta in a posting on its Facebook page.  In the note, executive director Holly Houser wrote:

“We have been and continue to be impressed with Alta’s approach to bike share and their ability to partner with cities and successfully deliver location-specific systems.  Alta is able to address a number of the Seattle’s unique challenges, offering innovative solar technology, 7-speed bikes and an integrated helmet vending solution. Alta brings the experience and state of the art equipment to operate a bike share network that meets revenue goals and appeals to users with intuitive design and top notch service.

Bike share systems in world class cities from Paris to London to Washington D.C. have become instantly iconic symbols of vibrant and progressive urban centers.  It’s our turn now.  Bike sharing belongs here.

This is a huge milestone for us, and with state and federal grants pending, we are ready to actively pursue a title or presenting corporate sponsor. This is a rare and exceptional opportunity for a visionary partner to support and associate themselves with a transformative community-wide program.”

Puget Sound Bike Share will now enter into contract negotiations with Alta, with a goal beginning launch preparations in early summer.