The Capital Bikeshare program has released its annual report and the news is positive for bicyclists. More and more people are using the service, which provides a public transport alternative for residents and visitors to Arlington. There are bike stations across the Orange Line corridor, each with several bikes available for use with a variety options. Capital Bikeshare provides docking stations for bikes built specifically for the system, where an electronic key is used to check out a bike for personal use. Once you are done riding for the day, you need only go to the nearest docking station and return the bike. This ease of access and return gives cyclists the convenience they want for traveling all around Arlington without having to plan a long return trip to a central location.
This planned system appears to be working. According the report released by Capital Bikeshare, membership has increased 31% from 2013 as of June 30, 2014, the largest year over year increase since the program was started in 2011. As a county program, it is showing that residents like the idea and it is paying off. In its fourth fiscal year, the program has been able to increase the number of bike docking stations from 54 to 70 stations. Bikes have been added as well, reflecting the use in ridership, from 375 to 493 bikes. Within the Orange Line itself, stations have been added in Rosslyn and Ballston this past year.
With all this growth and the increase in membership, the revenue to cost ratio has also continued to improve. A total of $895,000 was generated in revenue, with $1.4 million being spent. The end result was a 72% operating cost recovery for the fiscal year, the best since the program’s inception. With daily use options as well as monthly and annual memberships available, both residents and visitors to Arlington have shown that Capital Bikeshare is an investment that has been good for our urban village lifestyle.
Life along the Orange Line offers many alternatives when it comes to homes, entertainment and transportation. Capital Bikeshare is one choice that is here to stay. If you are ready to stay and call the Orange Line home, myself and the Orange Line Living team are here to provide you with our unique and specialized services so you can turn your home dreams into reality. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us directly at 571-969-7653 or at [email protected].
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