The One Bird program comes as other micromobility startups are proposing programs for more environmental and social equity Bird, the rapidly expanding scooter startup, just announced a new program to subsidize rides for underserved communities and promote transit equity.
The initiative comes on the heels of several other big announcements in the fast-changing micromobility market, where startups are proposing their own programs for more environmental and social equity, and cities are figuring out new rules to manage these emerging transit options.
The One Bird program, which is available now in all 18 cities where Bird operates, will offer discounted rides to low-income riders. For most users, rides using the dockless electric scooter network include a $1 flat fee and 15 cents for every additional minute. The One Bird program would waive the $1 base fee for anybody currently enrolled in, or eligible for, state or federal assistance programs, such as CalFresh, Medicaid, or SNAP. The company claims the approval process to join the program will take two to three business days.
Bird is positioning the change as a way to increase mobility options and help people get to work. In a press release, the company offered up a price comparison: $3 for a 20-minute discounted scooter commute versus a $10 ride-hailing trip.
It doesn?t hurt that this change comes as the company is jockeying with competitors like Lime, which recently received funding from Google and Uber, and Spin, ...