Pan Am plans include Bixi expansion

Bixi Toronto is getting an upgrade in 2014, thanks to finds set aside for the Host City Showcase program, part of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Those who want to give input on where the system should expand can give their input through a mapping tool at wewantmorebixi.to.

The expansion plans are significant. The funding will allow 22 new stations to be located in Toronto, a sizeable increase over the 80 stations currently in use.

To have your say, get online and make your recommendations by noon ET today. By the end of the day, Cycle Toronto will forward the results from the tool to city officials.

The City of Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) is taking over the Bixi system following an announcement last week. Astral Media renegotiated a $5 million deal to pay off the Bixi debt and handle all costs of transferring the program to TPA. In exchange, Astral will no longer be required to build special public toilets in Toronto.

Funding for Bixi expansion following 2014 is still unknown, but Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam recently brokered a deal with condo developers to raise money for the bike share system. That deal could prove to be a model for a future funding tool.