Lyft Increases Citi Bike Per-Minute Fees in NYC

Citi Bike users in NYC faced increased fees as the cost per minute for e-bikes rose by 20%, attributed to unforeseen expenses like battery swapping and insurance. The surge in pricing impacts both annual members and non-members, with Lyft, the operator, justifying the hike due to operational costs. The decision sparked mixed reactions, with some users expressing frustration over the unexpected financial burden, while others speculated about the reasons behind a bike rider's extensive 38-mile journey on a stolen e-bike. Additionally, Governor Hochul's reversal of the congestion pricing program in NYC disappointed many, jeopardizing transit system improvements funded by the initiative, leading to a shift towards prioritizing maintenance over new projects by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.