Bixi responds to criticism
Montreal-based public bike company says it's not in financial turmoil
The Montreal-based Bixi Public Bike system is responding to a wave of criticism from the media and members of the public after it came out recently that the city was giving it a $108 million shot in the arm. Through an article in the Montreal Gazette, Bixi said it “does not have a profitability problem and is not a financial disaster in any way.” It also said rumours that Montrealers were paying for the expansion of the program to other cities, such as Toronto, were false, and that the bikes and their associated costs were not $7,400 each, as had been rumoured.
The Toronto Bixi bike program, meanwhile, launched May 3 and has seen steady growth and strong numbers. The program hasn’t released statistics on use yet, but on its Facebook page, Bixi Toronto said: “We are pleased to announce you that the financial situation of BIXI in Montreal has now been resolved. The BIXI system in Toronto is not affected by this as it is a separate entity. Stay assured that we wish long live to BIXI Toronto and are glad to witness how fast Torontonians are adopting the system.”
For the full response from Montreal Bixi, CLICK HEREÂ
