Bixi Toronto reaches 1,000 member goal with the help of AutoShare

TORONTO, Oct. 18 /CNW/ - Bixi Toronto took another big step towards officially confirming its launch next May by reaching the 1,000 member goal set by the City of Toronto council. At a party on Monday night to celebrate this hoped-for goal, locally-owned car share AutoShare stepped up with the purchase of 100 annual memberships, to push the total past 1,000.

"AutoShare is committed to building a more efficient and innovative transportation system in Toronto, so our support for Bixi is a natural fit," says AutoShare president Kevin McLaughlin. "Montreal, London, Paris - these great cities have been transformed by the arrival of a bike share program. Bixi puts thousands more bikes and riders into the street - there were a million Bixi trips in just 5 months in Montreal - making riding safer and more accessible for everyone. Toronto's future depends on a more efficient and innovative transportation system, including more cyclists."

AutoShare will be purchasing 100 annual subscriptions ($95 each) for staff, and through promotions, for existing and future members.  When the program launches in May 2011, members can use their membership cards to take out a bike at any station.

"We would also like to issue a challenge today to companies across Toronto: Sign-up your staff for access to Bixi Toronto through their corporate membership program. It's a great, low cost way to meet your environmental commitments - and invest in your team."

About AutoShare
AutoShare is Toronto's favourite alternative to owning a car. Since 1998, this locally-owned company has grown to provide 24/7 self-serve access to the greenest rental fleet in the city, serving over 10,000 individuals, families and businesses.

About Bixi Toronto
Operated by Public Bike System Company (PBSC) and with primary sponsorship from ING Direct, Torontonians and visitors will have access to 1,000 bicycles via 80 fully automated and conveniently located BIXI stations in the downtown area when the program begins in May 2011. Rapid expansion has followed other cities. The program generally operates more like an extension of the public transit system than like a bicycle rental system. The bicycles are intended to be used for one-way trips of less than 30 minutes and can be picked up or dropped off at any station, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. For registered users, there is no trip fee if the bicycle is returned to a bike station within 30 minutes. A fee is charged for any trip longer than 30 minutes. An unregistered user can also use the service for a fee.

For further information:

Kevin McLaughlin
President, AutoShare
416.340.7888 x4502   M: 416.816.3037
[email protected]