Albuquerque may soon see the return of scooter and bike rentals as the City Council considers a proposal to lower fees for rental companies.
The ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, aims to attract new vendors by making it more affordable for them to operate in the city. The proposal will be discussed at the City Council’s meeting on August 5.
During a June 12 meeting of the Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee, councilors discussed the high costs that have deterred companies from operating in Albuquerque.
Aas per the official source given by the citydesk Fiebelkorn noted that while it costs $39,500 annually to run 500 scooters and 50 stations in Colorado Springs, Albuquerque’s fees for the same setup amount to $155,275.
The new plan proposes to reduce permit application fees to $4,000 annually, with an annual application fee of $150 and a station fee of $40.
The proposal has garnered positive feedback from companies, with Councilor Nichole Rogers noting that it would make Albuquerque a more attractive market.
Alan Varela, director of the Planning Department, highlighted improvements in technology, such as geo-fencing, which would address past issues of scooters being improperly returned or dumped.
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Fiebelkorn emphasized the benefits for low-income residents, stating that at least 20% of vehicles would be placed in underserved areas.
Providers would also offer affordability programs, giving low-income users up to half off their trips. Varela added that the shared transportation program could positively impact residents and visitors, providing an eco-friendly, convenient alternative for short trips.