CapMetro's revamped Bikeshare system rolls out new e-bike stations

AUSTIN (KXAN) — CapMetro announced Wednesday the transit authority has begun rolling out its revamped electric bike system for Austinites and visitors to use.

Last month, CapMetro announced it was moving away from its MetroBike system and rebranding as CapMetro Bikeshare. Beginning July 1, CapMetro temporarily suspended the use of the bike-share programs. Now, CapMetro Bikeshare is operational at 29 stations in town, with more set to come only later this summer into the start of fall.

CapMetro Bikeshare will operate under a new app, which users can download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The new system will feature 100% electric-assisted bikes and stations.

Single-trip fares begin at $1.09 and offer a 60-minute ride, with additional charges for each extra minute accrued. Day passes. 31-day passes and annual passes are also available for purchase, as well as specific passes for students and staff at the University of Texas at Austin and Huston-Tillotson University.

Revitalized bike stations open for use are flagged on this Bikeshare map.

The upgrades come after CapMetro announced earlier this year a 10-year, nearly $21 million expansion effort to the system. At the time, transit officials said that newest contract would cover costs related to replacing and expanding MetroBike's 80 stations, 1,000 docks and 800 bicycles.

The MetroBike system first launched in 2013, with the City of Austin and CapMetro entering into an interlocal agreement to expand the program in 2020.