Sustainatarian

Ok after going and riding the bixi around for a few days, and learning from informative friends, i thought i would give a quick run down on how the system works.

First you locate a bixi station near you.  A helpful tip is if you have a cell phone with google maps, to create a bixi map.  Click here for more info. For example my friend on his iphone, just punches in his location, then all the stations nearest to us pop up.  As well, bixi will then tell you 1) how many bikes are available at the station and 2) If there are any spots at a station to dock your bike.

Once you have arrived at your bixi spot, you simply insert your credit card, and are given a simple code.  Then you choose your bicycle (I recommend adjusting the seat before you punch in the code and unlock your bike, its a lot easier).  You then punch in the code, the light turns green and you are good to go.

Pricing: Ok within a 24 hour period you only have to pay the $5 initial charge once (for example if you take the bike out at 3pm, you can take the bixi out the next day at noon, and your credit card will NOT be charged another $5, but if you were to take the bike out at 3:05pm the next day you would be charged another $5).  The first half hour is free, then after that there is a time charge in addition to the initial $5 fee.  If you are going to use bixi more than a few times a month, it would be worth buying a $78 yearly pass.  It takes a few days, and its a small card key chain,which has your information on it, that comes in the mail.  This key enables you to no longer have to use your credit card at the bixi stand.  It also waves the $5 initial fee to take out the bike BUT you are still charged the regular fees (1st half hour is free, 2nd half hour is $1.50, 3rd half hour is $3.00, and 4th> is $6.00).  A great money saving tip is that lets say you need to bike somewhere and it takes 20 minutes on the bixi, you can dock your bike after that 20 minute trip, for a minimum of the 5 minute mandatory wait period, then insert your credit card get the bixi again, then bike back to your home and dock again.  As long as you are docking every <30 minutes, you will not be charged the 2nd half hour fee.  BUT if you dock your bike after a 30> minute ride you WILL be charged.  Its a great system if you just need to pop to the store, of if you are tired of walking and just want to get home faster.

* Note this is just from my personal experience, I could be wrong, and the fees are subject to change.  If you notice anything that is not true, please contact me. Thanks.  Visit the official site for more information.