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Bicycle Transit Systems reports ridership gains for Truckee b cycle but warns program is not yet financially sustainable
Summary
Truckee's b cycle program logged a 53% year‑over‑year increase in trips in 2024 and an estimated 30,000 miles ridden; the operator said the program still runs at a loss and the estimated funding gap for Truckee may be $50,000–$100,000 per year.
Truckee staff and Bicycle Transit Systems (BTS) presented a recap of the 2024 b cycle season and the operator's plans for the program heading into a third pilot year. Alfred Notz, the town's transportation program manager, said the bikeshare began operations in 2023 and the town is entering the third year of a three‑year pilot under a vendor agreement.
Bridal (Brian) Conger, chief business officer for Bicycle Transit Systems, recapped ridership and usage patterns. He said the system closed the 2024 season with 53% more trips than the initial season, estimated roughly 30,000 miles ridden and an estimated 28,000 pounds of carbon offset from trips that otherwise would have been made by car. Conger noted stations with the strongest ridership included Glenshire Legacy Trailhead, Pocket Park and Eagle Plaza and that new stations such as Trout Creek Trailhead and East Jiboom resulted in strong local usage.
Conger summarized survey results showing about a third of trips were taken by subscribers (monthly pass) while the majority were casual or short‑term passes; nearly 60% of trips were one‑way (start at one station and return at another) and peak usage occurred on weekends and in late mornings and afternoons. Rider satisfaction metrics were strong: more than 90% of survey respondents reported being very or moderately satisfied and the system's net promoter score was reported at 35.
Despite ridership growth, Conger said the program is not yet financially sustainable from fare revenue alone. "We are continuing to lose money on the operation in Truckee but we do remain committed to exploring ways that we might be able to close that gap," he told the council. Staff said the operator and the town are examining possible pathways to greater financial sustainability; Conger gave a broad order‑of‑magnitude estimate of the current shortfall of roughly $50,000 to $100,000, noting the vendor's accounting methods and depreciation practices are being reconciled for more exact figures.
The presentation also included an update that Bicycle Transit Systems acquired B cycle (the equipment/software vendor) from Trek in October, and that local operations and staff have transitioned to BTS with minimal rider disruption. The town and BTS said they expect to launch the 2025 season in spring 2025 (timing dependent on snow conditions) and that staff will continue to explore sponsorships, adjustments to station placement, promotional campaigns and potential local funding partners to reduce reliance on fares.
Why it matters: The bikeshare program is positioned as a mobility option that can reduce vehicle trips and give residents and visitors an e‑bike experience without purchasing equipment; however, it requires local subsidy or other funding to operate year to year under current ridership patterns.
What happens next: BTS and town staff will continue to evaluate the financial model, review station placement and sponsorship opportunities, and return to council with options if staff recommends a subsidized long‑term program.
