Bixi Montreal closing for winter

Bixi Montreal is packing up the system and removing stations in preparation for winter. Unlike the Bixi system in other cities, the Montreal operation is not year round.

Select docking stations will be removed on Nov. 12 to help city staff prepare for winter. The remainder of the system will be shut down on Nov. 15.

However, the seasonal hibernation may end up becoming permanent. Bixi Montreal is in a dire financial position and many are unsure what the future will hold.

Controlled by the City of Montreal, the Bixi program has yet to release a report on how the 2012 season went. The city’s auditor-general Jacques Bergeron is still reviewing the books.

Bergeron has expressed doubts about the viability of Bixi in the future. The system is presently $42 million in debt, and running a deficit of $6.5 million per year, according to the Montreal Gazette.

In an effort to bolster numbers, Bixi Montreal is currently running a discounted rate of $60 for a 2014 annual membership. The deal is available through the Bixi online store, and is only available in limited quantities. The regular price for membership is $82.50.

Despite the financial concerns, Bixi Montreal has been going through continued investment. In March, 50 new stations were added to the system, a capacity increase of 1,750 docking points.

If Bixi is unable to secure funding from the City of Montreal, it may continue to operate using other means.