Bike Share Program Proposed for Jacksonville

[Kerry]

Well, just got a notice from JTA that the RFP for a Bike Share system in Jax has been cancelled.  I guess free was still to expensive for them.

[thelakelander]

I was informed it was put on hold. Not cancelled. Why? I'm not sure but it appears the private sector is confident bike share can work here.

[Charles Hunter]

According to the Business Journal,

On Feb. 12, JTA notified the five companies that responded to a request for proposals that it had created a short list of three companies and intended "to negotiate with the number one ranked firm," which is VeoRide.

The selection will be presented to JTA's board at its Feb. 21 meeting. The authority is looking for a five-year contract, which the board would also have to approve.

Link, might be behind pay wall https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/02/14/jta-has-picked-a-partner-for-a-downtown-bike-share.html?ana=e_ph_prem&u=qn2xgMusSvJCgTcRVcM9Dg07e466fb&t=1550238062&j=86690911

[marcuscnelson]

According to the Business Journal,

On Feb. 12, JTA notified the five companies that responded to a request for proposals that it had created a short list of three companies and intended "to negotiate with the number one ranked firm," which is VeoRide.

The selection will be presented to JTA's board at its Feb. 21 meeting. The authority is looking for a five-year contract, which the board would also have to approve.

Link, might be behind pay wall https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/02/14/jta-has-picked-a-partner-for-a-downtown-bike-share.html?ana=e_ph_prem&u=qn2xgMusSvJCgTcRVcM9Dg07e466fb&t=1550238062&j=86690911

I mean hey, looks like something, at least.

[Kerry]

Well see, but my expectations are pretty low.

[Charles Hunter]

From today's Business Journal

Despite approving the program and identifying a bike share partner, VeoRide Inc., in February, Downtown is no closer to seeing a program.

The service was expected to launch in March, if all negotiations went well. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority received requests for proposals from five companies, including Lime, Inc. and created a short list of three before finally landing on VeoRide.

"As far as I know, the city is still reviewing it," said David Cawton, JTA's Media and Public Relations Manger.

City Director of Public Affairs Nikki Kimbleton also said that she was unaware of any updates.

...

[David] Cawton [JTA's Media and Public Relations Manger]  said that there was no hard timeline attached to the program. However, JTA is opening a new administration and transportation center in March - which may provide an opportunity for the authority to launch the service to coincide with the opening of its new building.

https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/12/05/jacksonvilles-bike-share-program-is-still-coming.html?ana=e_me_set1&j=90307931&t=Morning&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTURReU5EQTBOalJsTWprMyIsInQiOiJvMDUybnlveGx0R3d6M2ZyQlA5NjZCMjRwMFJtUVIwXC8zVlwvQWt5UmNKNXVESEVnaEJPakc4UGp6UmNTVDhsVGRGcEQrV3FJMnkzVUc0UWsyRVdscWlEb0lYUDkwbFwvc2wrSGZVMFNhMUFPU3FKMm5SZkpUbUxpQllQN0R1bUhYSiJ9

[thelakelander]

It really is confusing to why something so simple has taken so long. I get the impression, it isn't a market feasibility or infrastructure issue.

[Kerry]

The last I heard back in February JTA said they canceled the RFP.  The RFP on the JTA says "Under Evaluation" and was last updated on 2/12/2019 2:40:44 PM.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch - every town with more than 50 people on the planet has some form of bike/scooter share system, and many of them have more than one.

[thelakelander]

^Yeah, now you can see why DT Jax is the way it is. Much of its ailments have very little to do with the actual market.

[vicupstate]

^Yeah, now you can see why DT Jax is the way it is. Much of its ailments have very little to do with the actual market.

True. Must be because of consolidation or some other completely unrelated factor.   

[tufsu1]

Now that bike share systems around the world are dying  (because of scooters) COJ will say they were smart not to do anything

[thelakelander]

From the article:

The bid is explicit that "the bike share system will only consist of pedal-powered and motor-powered bikes," though VeoRide's site showcases both bikes and scooters.

"A lot of folks are excited about having a new choice for downtown mobility," said Ford, in February. "But we have had many people pose very straightforward questions about its safety."

1. Someone made a decision that we don't want scooters.....so much for embracing emerging disruptive technology and innovation.

2. Despite bikes predating the automobile, we're concerned about safety. Perhaps we need a bike share test track.

[fieldafm]

I don't know the details of VeoRide's proposal, so let's assume it was the best. However, I am familiar with one of the more well-known micromobility company's proposal, a proposal that was not selected by JTA. That proposal focused on dockless electric scooter and electric-assisted pedal bikes. They would have had a set number of units deployed within 90 days of a signed agreement (and would have adjusted the amount of vehicles in circulation as demand grew/receded, etc), did not need any financial assistance from JTA/COJ, were willing to work with public agencies on various strategies to avoid the negative effects of dockless vehicle clutter, and would have paid a portion of revenues to JTA.

My understanding is that COJ did not want dockless bikes/scooters along sidewalks, and that was the deal killer. JTA's request specifically wanted docked stations at Skyway stops (presumably so they didn't need COJ's signoff). Not sure if the conversation with COJ ever explored alternatives, like designated dockless parking spots (see below).





I think this is another instance of agencies working in silos. An RFP was put out by one agency. That RFP elicited responses from many well-qualified companies. After the conclusion of the bidding process, said agency then tried to get approval from other public agencies who didn't want the system in the first place, and found a reason to say no. 

I fully understand the frustrating malaise than can occur when (proverbially) navigating the waters where several slow-moving ships that are not eager to veer off their traditional routes, try passing themselves in a narrow channel... but it seems like the entire process could have been handled better at the start, and potential concerns could have been addressed before an RFP was ever issued.


That's my view from 2,000 feet as someone that was a little more connected to this process than a standard armchair quarterback.

[acme54321]

The scooters are cool but I can understand the push back against them.  I've been to a few places where they are seemingly unregulated and there are piles of scooters just strewn about randomly on the streets.  The designated dockless spots look like a good solution for that as long as they are adhered to.

[fieldafm]

The scooters are cool but I can understand the push back against them.  I've been to a few places where they are seemingly unregulated and there are piles of scooters just strewn about randomly on the streets.  The designated dockless spots look like a good solution for that as long as they are adhered to.

I've been to two types of cities. Cities that haven't proactively addressed/enforced unmitigated clutter issues... and those that have done a much better job of doing so. I can understand the concerns of people who live (or visit) in the former, and also appreciate how these options can be effective for people that live (or visit) in the latter.

That further amplifies my view that the entire process locally could have been handled better at the start, and that potential concerns were addressed and solutions agreed upon before an RFP was ever issued.

It's kind of funny* that we've been swept up in debates about how private companies can more efficiently manage public parking, utility services and schooling... but when private operators can deliver market-based transportation solutions, then suddenly there is some wall of public protectionism erected.