Thank you for your interest in BIXI Toronto. BIXI Toronto is based on the award winning, hassle-free, affordable bike share program adopted in Montreal in 2009. It has since expanded to Minneapolis, London, and Melbourne and has over 20,000 subscribers in Montreal alone. Given its resounding success we are excited to introduce Toronto’s own BIXI program in spring 2011.

The name BIXI is a combination of the words bicycle and taxi, indicating how easy it is to access a BIXI bike wherever you are and reach your intended destination - without worrying about a parking space, a lock, or what to do if you weren’t planning on biking back afterwards. The bicycle’s engineering as well as its solar-powered docking stations located less than 300 meters apart define the accessible nature of this program.  

Since BIXI Toronto will run year-round, a hassle-free bike will always be conveniently close by.  For a $95 (tax incl.) annual subscription, members will receive one year of unlimited use of the BIXI system for up to 30 minutes at a time. For example, a subscriber could arrive at Union Station, take a BIXI bike to ride to work, drop it off in front of their office, then pick a different BIXI bike up at the end of the day to head back to Union Station. Or, if a subscribers’ trip will last longer than 30 minutes, they may dock the initial bike and access a 2nd bike for another 30 minutes of usage.

However, BIXI Toronto’s launch in 2011 will only be possible if the milestones City Council set are attained.

In order to ensure BIXI Toronto’s launch, the project must...

• receive $600,000 in sponsorships (sponsorship is coming along nicely)
• and 1,000 interested individuals must subscribe by November 30, 2010 (a lot of people have already signed up at the July 28 subscription launch party and a lot more will sign up as the demo station moves around town).

Station sponsors will be able to advertise at and name a docking station of their choice. As founding members, initial subscribers will receive an honourable mention on the BIXI Toronto website. Please join your fellow community and business leaders in bringing BIXI to Toronto by subscribing to or sponsoring the program. You can subscribe online at toronto.bixi.com or by phone at 1-877-412-BIXI (2494)

Attached is a Q&A fact sheet and targeted milestones.

Please feel free to distribute this information to friends and colleagues who would be interested in learning more about this initiative. Keep in mind that without subscribers and sponsors, BIXI Toronto will not be approved. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services department at bixitoronto@toronto.ca. You can also call us at (416) 338-5091 and (416) 338-5088.