More mobility options are coming to Memphis, as we seek to expand the local offering of shared mobility providers and vehicles.
The City launched a pilot phase of the Shared Mobility Program in May 2018. Three Operators (Bird, Explore Bike Share, and Lime) have participated in this pilot phase, and have cumulatively provided a fleet of approximately 1,750 Shared Mobility Devices. Since the beginning of the pilot phase, the City has permitted the local presence of these Operators with individual interim operating agreements. Input from the pilot phase guided the development of permanent Operating Regulations that reflect national best practices within this emerging and rapidly growing field.
The City of Memphis now invites Shared Mobility Operators to apply for the permission to operate in Memphis. The City will transition into a permanent Shared Mobility Program in June 2019. For the program’s initial year, the City seeks to permit 3 to 5 Operators, and a cumulative fleet of up to 3,000 Shared Urban Mobility Devices. The City reserves the right to permit Operators’ respective fleets at various sizes. The City will select Operators via a competitive application process and evaluate applicants by their demonstrated experience, organizational and technological capacities, and alignment with the goals of the City’s Shared Mobility Program.
The Shared Mobility Program will partner with private entities to expand mobility options in Memphis, with emphases on safety, equity, and sustainability. The Program believes that effective and successful shared mobility services:
- Lead with a philosophy of access by all, regardless of geography, income, race, gender, or ability.
- Engage residents of local communities through proactive efforts to improve services.
- Reduce automobile dependency, while increasing access to opportunities.
- Provide a true and reliable mobility option, and not merely a recreational activity or novelty.
- Supplement traditional public transportation by providing first- and last-mile connections.
The Program is housed within the Division of Engineering, and is a subset of the Bikeway and Pedestrian Program. Fees collected from Operators as part of the Program will be used to support active transportation infrastructure, programs, and operations.
Click here to download the City’s full “Invitation for Applicants,” and here for the City’s final “Shared Mobility Operating Regulations.”
