Brugada to present first 1,500 renovated Ecobici bikes; investment exceeds 2,400 million pesos

Mexico City's public bike-sharing system, Ecobici, is set for a major overhaul, with the first 1,500 renovated bicycles to be unveiled on September 22, coinciding with World Car-Free Day. Head of Government Clara Brugada announced the upcoming presentation in the capital's Zócalo, marking a significant step in modernizing the service.

The comprehensive renovation plan includes a substantial multi-year investment of up to 2,434 million pesos over a 10-year period. Brugada clarified that this figure represents the maximum potential expenditure, with a minimum commitment of 978 million pesos. The final cost will depend on the actual services rendered, ensuring efficient use of public funds.

A key upgrade under the new contract is the implementation of GPS tracking technology for all 15,000 Ecobici bicycles. Currently, only one in ten bikes is equipped with this feature. The enhanced contract also introduces stricter service rules, including penalties for delays in repairing or replacing bicycles. This aims to ensure that bikes are quickly returned to service, improving availability and reliability for users.

Brugada emphasized that the previous contract lacked penalties for service delays. The new agreement, however, ensures that payment is tied to actual usage, incentivizing the company to maintain and repair bikes promptly. This move is expected to significantly improve the user experience and the overall efficiency of the Ecobici system.

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Se trata de un modelo de contrato abierto. Es importante aclarar que los 2 mil 434 millones son la inversión máxima. Se establece un monto mínimo de 978 millones y un monto máximo de 2 mil 400 millones. El gasto final dependerá de los servicios que efectivamente se requieran y se presten, y en ningún caso podrá superar ese máximo