Biketown, a ride-share service known for its orange bicycles, will be expanding its service to cover the North and East Portland area, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) announced on Jan. 10.
PBOT stated in a news release that goals of the expansion included providing access to sustainable transportation options for UP students and staff.
“The Portland Bureau of Transportation was really interested in getting the University’s help in elevating the message that this program is available now in this part of the city,” Jennie Cambier, associate vice president of Land Use and Planning, said. “We’re planning to have a station installed right at campus”.
Cambier also stated that students who qualify for financial aid will also have access to free or reduced rides via the Biketown for all program. Students who qualify will have the 5 cents a minute ride fee and $5 monthly membership fee waived.
The University hopes to provide students with more information regarding the program after the installation of the Biketown station near campus.
Steve Hoyt-McBeth, section manager of the Active Transportation and Safety Division of PBOT, confirmed that this new station is planned to be installed on Feb. 4.
Correction: A previous version of the article incorectly misspelled a last name. The error has been corrected.
Austin Thompson is a reporter with the Beacon. He can be reached at thompsau22@up.edu
