Toronto’s City Council approved a plan to allow Public Bike System to launch its subscription-based BIXI bike taxi program in the city in 2011.
The company already runs similar BIXI (a combination of bike and taxi) in Montreal, Minneapolis and Boston.
The company touts BIXI as a “fourth generation” system because it does not require excavation to install as does the famous Vélib system in Paris, for example. It is solar powered, eliminating the need for utility connections. It uses wireless communication to eliminate connections to land lines. The BIXI bike itself was designed from the ground up for heavy urban use.
Public Bike System is still rolling out its network of stations in Montreal, where is has nearly 250 stations operating. Systems are also being in London and the company has been approved for Melbourne, Australia.
