TLC renews one-year contracts for Bird, Lime and Spin; docked-bike RFP to be resolicited after failed negotiations

The Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission approved one-year renewals of the current shared micromobility contracts for Bird, Lime and Spin, the operators that provide dockless scooters and e-bikes in Nashville. Commissioners also heard an update that Metro procurement rescinded an earlier intent-to-award for a docked bike concession and plans to resolicit after negotiation failures with the selected proposer.

NDOT staff presented ridership and program metrics: the shared micromobility program has averaged roughly 1.2 million rides per year in recent years, strong central-city usage with about 72% of trips originating downtown, and progress on a corrals program that added roughly 1,500 scooter parking spaces and nearly 200 bike corrals to reduce sidewalk clutter. Staff also highlighted partnerships created in the last year, including a Metro-employee discount and targeted outreach and fare-assistance advertising for low-income and SNAP-eligible riders.

Procurement staff reported that an earlier award to Bicycle Transit Systems for a docked-bike contract was rescinded after the vendor and Metro could not agree on critical contract terms—chiefly the capital-investment schedule required in a five-year award versus the vendor’s stated need for a longer commitment. The department expects to resolicit the docked-bike RFP with revised language to address concerns flagged during negotiations and said the new solicitation would be published soon.

Representatives from Bird, Lime and Spin confirmed ongoing operations and described local improvements—bike/scooter corrals, access programs, and outreach to community stakeholders. Commissioners approved the one-year contract renewals and separately directed staff to continue work with procurement on an updated docked-bike solicitation and to report back on timelines for a new RFP.