Citi Bike could soon cost the same as a subway ride under new council proposal
Council Member Lincoln Restler introduced the legislation, which would tie Citi Bike pricing to the MTA’s fare structure.
A new bill proposed to City Council aims to make Citi Bike trips cost no more than a swipe on the subway. Supporters say that this move could make getting around the city cheaper and more reliable, especially on days when train service is disrupted.
Council Member Lincoln Restler introduced the legislation, which would tie Citi Bike pricing to the MTA’s fare structure. Restler has argued publicly that New York’s bike‑share system is among the most expensive in the world when measured by distance traveled. He continues to say that lowering prices could encourage more riders to choose two wheels over crowded platforms.
In Bushwick, where L train service was running partially suspended this weekend, riders said they were all for a cheaper alternative.
“Sometimes it’s just a ten‑minute bike ride instead of taking the train a few stops,” one resident said. “If it was the same price, I would definitely take it.”
Others said the current pricing keeps them from using the system more often.
“I want to bike more, but it is just too expensive,” another rider told News 12 who said his trip would cost 5 times the price of a train ride if he were to use the Citi Bike, even with the day pass.
A third Bushwick resident said the L train’s irregular service makes biking the more practical option. “Sometimes it skips my stop, so I have to walk a block to the next one. If I could just use the Citi Bike station near my house, it’d be way more convenient. ”
Citi Bike operates through a public‑private partnership involving New York City, Citi Bank and Lyft. It remains unclear how much authority the city has to impose price controls on an existing contract with a private operator.
News 12 has reached out to Restler’s office for clarification on how the proposal would be implemented if passed.
