Imagine paying for a service in advance, only to learn later that the service will not be provided. To make matters worse, the money you paid will not be returned.
Thatâs what happened to Lancaster cityâs bike-share program, Bike It Lancaster, in 2020 when low ridership and the COVID-19 pandemic led the company operating the program to fold.
The program was out $38,000.
âUnfortunately, Zagster went out of business, so the funds were not returned to the city or our sponsors,â Cindy McCormick, the cityâs deputy public works director.
Karl Graybill, who oversees the program for the city, said people called and asked about the bikes âbecause they needed them to get to work or meetings.â
The Bike It Lancaster bicycle sharing program is set to relaunch Monday under a new vendor hired by the city.
The program offers 25 bicycles that are available for up to an hour per trip. The cost is $25 for an annual membership, which allows unlimited one-hour rides. Users without a membership pay $1 for 30 minutes.
Bike It Lancaster has six stations College Square, Rotary Park, Lancaster Amtrak Station, and on West King, West Orange and South Duke streets. Virtual stations â city bike racks that are digitally designated as a station â can be found at the North Museum, on West King and Ruby streets, Culliton Park, Reservoir Park, Lancaster Science Factory, and East Frederick and North Lime streets.