Hubway Gears Up For Bike Share Program's Spring Launch
BOSTON (CBS) – On the streets of downtown Boston, pedal power is returning from hibernation
So inside a Charlestown warehouse, mechanics are going full tilt on the tuneups to make sure the Hubway fleet is roadworthy.
Hubway is the public bike-share program whereby you can grab some wheels at docking stations around town, pedal to your destination and drop it off at another station.
The service comes with online trackers and mobile apps.
"So there is some planning and thinking involved to starting your trip," said Hubway's Emily Stapleton.
Next week 1,300 bikes now in the warehouse will be out on the streets when about two-thirds of Hubway's 140 stations will open up in Boston, Cambridge, Brookline and Somerville.
Roughly 9,700 folks now pay an annual fee of $85 to Hubway, which entitles riders to unlimited trips under 30 minutes.
But a new program will let doctors at Boston Medical Center actually prescribe a membership to low-income patients as part of an exercise regimen for just $5.
"For the mayor it's very important that this program is for all Boston residents regardless of income," said Nicole Freedman, Boston's bike czar.
Believe it or not, some Hubway bike stations were open all winter long in Cambridge to test snowy ridership -- and people still made 2,000 trips per week.
But the lion's share of docking stations – and bikes – spend the winter inside and have to be hauled back outside each spring.
Hubway's spring launch is actually earlier this year than last, despite our nasty winter.
So the next several days are going to be kind of crazy in the repair shop.
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