Mobike suspends bike sharing service in Manchester
- Written by I Love MCR
- Last updated 6 years ago
- City of Manchester, Community, Sport
Another first for Manchester. But not one to be proud of.
Last year, Manchester became the first city in Europe to welcome Mobike. Now it’s the first to say goodbye.
The company announced today that it is to suspend its bike sharing service in the city as a result of increased bike losses dues to theft and vandalism.
“We are very grateful to the City of Manchester to have been the first city in Europe to welcome Mobike,” said Mobike’s UK general manager UK, Jan Van der Ven.
We’re sad to announce that we will be suspending our service in Manchester. Since bikes will no longer be available in the city, we are refunding deposits and wallet balances to our users in Manchester. Goodbyes are never easy.
More info ➡️https://t.co/vE4mSrbnJm pic.twitter.com/14LRnbNjrE
— Mobike UK (@MobikeUK) September 5, 2018
“However, after careful evaluation, we have decided to remove our bikes and refund our users. As a private company, we have a duty to ensure our revenues cover our costs since unlike some operators we do not use taxpayer money to help balance our books. Unfortunately the circumstances in Manchester have not made this possible.”
The company has already processed refunds to its users and will remove its remaining bikes from the streets of Manchester over the coming weeks.
Mr. Van der Ven added: “I want to thank the people of Manchester, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Police and the City Council for all their support.
“We have all learnt valuable lessons that will help cities continue to make urban life more sustainable, more active and more healthy through cycling.”
Mobike will conduct a full review of its time in Manchester and intends to submit a proposal to Manchester city council for an alternative affordable future model for bikesharing
Users will have their deposits and account balances refunded, and should check their bank statements to confirm receipt of funds.
Mobike launched in Manchester in July 2017, with Mancunians taking around 250,000 trips, cycling over 180,000 miles.
- This article was last updated 6 years ago.
- It was first published on 5 September 2018 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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