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If you love scooters, good news: More scooters.
If you despise them? There won't be any more downtown. Does that help?
According to a city press release, after studying scooter use in the 10 weeks since the Bird and Lime electric conveyances were dumped on the street introduced to central business district pedestrians, city officials have decided to raise the cap on the number allowed from 300 to 400 per company, but are requiring that extra 100 to be deployed in city neighborhoods outside of Grand Boulevard.
The city will work with each company on their deployment plan to maximize their impact, with the intention of giving residents more and better mobility options. The announcemnent says:
“Anytime we can bring the downtown experience into Detroit neighborhoods, I think it is a sign of overall growth for Detroit,” said Councilman Scott Benson. “This initiative is particularly important in a city where 33 percent of residents are without reliable transportation; this mobility option helps people get around neighborhoods with fun and ease.”
Each company’s proposed deployment is as follows:
♦ Bird: 15 scooters in District 1, 15 scooters in District 2, 15 scooters in District 3, 15 scooters in District 4, 15 scooters in District 5, 15 scooters in District 6, 10 scooters in District 5.
♦ Lime: 20 scooters in District 3, 20 scooters in District 4, 20 scooters in District 5, 20 scooters in District 6, 20 scooters in District 7
A Community Advisory Board is also being established to provide feedback on related issues.
No word on when the additional 100 scoots will roll out. Bird's likely won't be available during winters, though the company is working to "ruggedize our flock," a representative tells the Free Press. (How's that for value added -- you learn a new word!)
