Philadelphia Announces 'Indego' Bikeshare System—Opening this Spring

According to an article by Paul Nussbaum, "Philadelphia will launch an ambitious bike-sharing system in spring in at least 60 locations, from Temple University to the Navy Yard and from the Delaware River to University City."

"The program, dubbed Indego because of an $8.5 million contribution from Independence Blue Cross, will allow riders to use credit cards, cash, or member cards to rent bikes 24 hours a day."

Hussbaum provides as many of the details about financing as the city made available, including the funding for implementation and operations: "Independence Blue Cross will contribute $1.7 million a year for five years to help operate the system, while the city will provide $3 million to buy bikes and stations, and more than $4.5 million in additional funding will come from state, federal, and foundation coffers." Pricing has not yet been announced, but various possible pricing schemes should average out to about $5 an hour, according to the article.

Also, Indego "will be operated by Bicycle Transit Systems Inc. of Philadelphia. Bicycle Transit Systems has operated bike-share programs in Chicago, Boston, and Washington."

The system also launched an official website.