HomeMy WebLinkAboutASRBAC20220926 - 05.1
STUDY STUDY SESSION MEMORANDUM 5.1
TO: Bicycle Advisory Commission September 26, 2022
SUBJECT: Update on Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Mobility on Demand
(“MOD”) Demonstration Project
BACKGROUND
In April 2019, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (“CCTA”) was awarded a
Federal Highway Administration Advanced Transportation and Congestion
Management Technologies Deployment grant in the amount of $8 million to implement
its Bay Area Mobility on Demand (“MOD”) Demonstration Project. The MOD Project
will serve as one of the key Transportation Demand Management (“TDM”) elements of
CCTA’s Innovate 680 Program - a congestion management plan comprised of six core
projects focused on innovative mobility solutions for the I-680 Corridor from Walnut
Creek to San Ramon. Specifically, the MOD project grant will fund the development of
an “on-demand” application platform to connect shared mobility options for the benefit
of the public.
Innovation is key to optimizing Contra Costa’s transportation system and managing
congestion more efficiently. The development of a MOD mobile platform and application
will provide information for ride-sourcing such as Uber and Lyft, car-sharing, public
transit, and bike/e-bike/scooter-sharing (i.e., “micromobility devices”). The goal is to
simplify access to reliable mobility options and through providing real-time, data-driven
traffic updates so travelers can make informed decisions regarding cost, timing, mode,
and route, all via the use of shared modes. The 511 Contra Costa TDM incentive
programs are also designed to complement MOD by reducing single-occupant vehicle
travel by supporting, scheduling, and incentivizing travel using other modes of
transportation. As part of Innovate 680, micromobility devices and services are envisioned to provide first-mile/last-mile transportation solutions along the I-680 Corridor connecting mobility hubs (such as BART stations and park and rides) to job centers to provide commuters alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel. CCTA’s MOD project proposes to include the launch of a shared e-bike/e-scooter program along the I-680 corridor focused on the
San Ramon Valley, between Walnut Creek and San Ramon.
DISCUSSION
Throughout 2020 and 2021, CCTA staff met with public agency staff from Danville, San
Ramon, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, BART, and East Bay Regional Parks District
to collaborate on the development of a shared e-bike and/or e-scooter services program.
Update on CCTA’s 2 September 26, 2022
Mobility on Demand
Demonstration Project
In 2021, CCTA issued a Request for Information (RFI) and held informal workshops with
several micromobility vendors to evaluate available devices and technologies, business
models, and operations and maintenance platforms. CCTA also held stakeholder
meetings with staff members from the participating public agencies to gather input on
local needs and evaluate the potential of implementation of micromobility services in
their respective jurisdictions.
Subsequently, on February 25, 2022, CCTA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for
shared micromobility services structured as a 12-month pilot that would be initially
focused within the City of San Ramon. On March 18, 2022, CCTA received bids from five
micromobility vendors and proceeded to convene staff from the participating public
agencies to review the proposals. Ultimately, Bird Rides, Inc. (aka “Bird”) was considered
the most qualified vendor.
At its regular scheduled meeting of August 9, 2022, the San Ramon City Council
authorized execution of a 12-month pilot program operating agreement with Bird to
operate electric scooters and pedal-assisted electric bicycles within the City of San Ramon
and thus advancing the CCTA MOD demonstration project to the implementation phase.
The term of the pilot program will be from September 1, 2022, through September 1, 2023,
and consist of deployment of 120 Bird Version 3 electric scooters (e-scooters) and 30 Bird
electric bicycles (e-bikes) located at approved, designated locations referred to as “Bird
Nests”. Locations of Bird Nests are proposed to include parks, libraries, community
centers, San Ramon Transit Center, and other public spaces throughout San Ramon. The
devices will be limited to operating within the San Ramon city limits only for the duration
of the 12-month pilot, and/or until other adjacent jurisdictions enter into similar
operating agreements. Additionally, the program will not be implemented in the Bishop
Ranch Business Park given that Bishop Ranch has an existing shared bike program
established with a different vendor, although San Ramon staff has indicated that they
will continue discussions with Bishop Ranch for future potential expansion. Bird Operations & Technology
Currently, Bird is operating e-bikes and e-scooters in several Bay Area cities including
Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Redwood City, and most recently Pleasant Hill. Key operating
parameters and specifications of the devices are summarized as follows:
San Ramon Pilot Program Operations Outlay: Staff is working with Bird to
develop bird nest locations to ensure a balanced number of vehicles to meet
demand and maximize usage and to collaborate on an outreach and marketing
plan including creating and distributing educational materials and operational
Update on CCTA’s 3 September 26, 2022
Mobility on Demand
Demonstration Project
guides for the public. In total, 120 e-scooter and 30 e-bike devices (or “vehicles”)
will be deployed. There are no costs to CCTA or the City of San Ramon for
program start-up, operations, or maintenance of the vehicles.
Registering to Ride: To utilize the vehicles, customers are required to register
using the Bird mobile application (“app”) and that requires acknowledgement of
a liability waiver and submission of payment information. Vehicles will be
managed by Bird staff and monitored and balanced regularly between the hours
of 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Balancing consists of frequent
redistribution of vehicles between bird nests to maximize availability and use.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Parameters: Bird Vehicles will be allowed to be operated
on any sidewalk, bike lane, or street as provided in the municipal code of San
Ramon and California Vehicle Code. Use of the vehicles on the Iron Horse Trail is
currently being negotiated between CCTA, San Ramon and East Bay Regional
Parks District (“EBRPD”) and will be prohibited on the IHT until an agreement is
reached.
Pricing: User fees will consist of $1 to unlock a vehicle and a per-minute operation
fee between $0.25 - $0.39. All pricing is clearly communicated to riders prior to the
start of service via the Bird app, or to users via text message/SMS. Bird provides
discounts on unlock rates and incentives through use of “Ride Passes” that are
offered for daily, weekly, and monthly use. Bird will also offer equity and discount
pricing programs for low income and first responders.
511 Contra Costa TDM Pricing Incentives: Through 511 Contra Costa, customers
are eligible to get the first three months of monthly unlock fees free, with funding
provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD),
Transportation Funds for Clean Air (TFCA) and CCTA. Users will be responsible
for usage per minute fees.
Additional details on vehicle parameters and operating abilities can be found in
Attachments A and B.
Schedule and Next Steps As previously described, the San Ramon pilot program is scheduled to begin September 1, 2022. Throughout the duration of the program, CCTA and San Ramon will report out frequently to other potential partner agencies on the status and performance of the vendor, user behavior and usage data.
Update on CCTA’s 4 September 26, 2022
Mobility on Demand
Demonstration Project
At it’s regularly scheduled Study Session on August 16, 2022, the Danville Town Council received an update on the project and directed staff to provide regular updates to the Town Council and Bicycle Advisory Commission on a regular basis through the duration of the San Ramon pilot program. Staff was directed to return to the Town Council with an update of the pilot program within six months and provide recommendations for next steps including feasibility of potential expansion of services into Danville.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive report and provide comment on CCTA’s Mobility on Demand Demonstration
Project.
Prepared by:
Andrew Dillard
Transportation Manager
Attachments: A – Presentation overview of Bird Rides, Inc.
B – Bird Rides, Inc. Operational FAQs
CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY MOBILITY ON DEMAND
Danville Bicycle Advisory Commission
September 26, 2022
ATTACHMENT A
BAY AREA MOBILITY ON DEMAND
In April 2019,the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)was
awarded a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)$8 million Advanced
Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment
(ATCMTD)grant to implement the Bay Area MOD project.
CCTA’s Mobility-on-Demand (MOD)Project is the Transportation Demand
Management (TDM)element of Innovate 680 and is focused on
innovative mobility along the I-680 Corridor from Walnut Creek to San
Ramon.
FUNDING FOR MICROMOBILITY
The MOD grant covers the cost of systems engineering of micromobility
assets and their integration into the MOD app.
Funding for micromobility devices and ongoing operations and
maintenance (“O&M”)not covered in the grant.
CCTA initially conducted discussions with jurisdictions along the 1-680
Corridor to strategize on potential funding sources for micromobility
services and O&M
WHAT IS MOD?
Trip Planner
Trip Scheduling
Integrated Payment
Real-time Information
Rewards & Incentives
Connection Protection
MOD MOBILITY ASSETS
E-bike & E-scooter share and other
micromobility devices will provide a
first-mile/last-mile solution along the I-
680 Corridor
Devices are envisioned being
available at BART stations and other
transit hubs between Walnut Creek
and San Ramon
Micromobility creates connections to
transit and large job centers
Electric bike/scooter share means
more residents in Danville, San
Ramon, and Alamo can access BART
MOD MICROMOBILITY PLANNING
✓Spring 2021 –CCTA convenes stakeholder group
(“Micromobility Task Force”)
✓Seeks feedback on user needs/local potential for
micromobility services (e-bikes and e-scooters)
✓Identifies potential micromobility vendors
✓Continues work on systems engineering of
micromobility assets and app development
Danville and San Ramon Bicycle Master Plans
Lessons learned from Lime Bike (Walnut Creek)
BRite Bikes in Bishop Ranch
PREPARING FOR A SOUTH COUNTY
E-BIKE/E-SCOOTER SHARE PROGRAM
MOD -MICROMOBILITY TIMELINE
✓2021 –CCTA develops vendor requirements, releases RFI
to micromobility vendors
✓Winter 2022 –CCTA releases RFP for Micromobility
Services
✓MMTF participates in RFP evaluation process
✓Spring 2021 –CCTA enters agreement with Bird Rides, Inc.
✓San Ramon identified as pilot city
MOD TIMELINE
June
2019
June
2020 June
2021
2/11/20
Notice to
Proceed
(NTP)
PILOT STARTS
Design, Development, Testing & Implementation
April
2019 September
2022
December
2023
Pre-NTP Activities
September
2023
Pilot Deployment in
San Ramon, O&M Support
Project
Evaluation,
Final Report to FHWA
PILOT
ENDS
Fall
2021
Proposed MOD
Micromobility
Deployment
12-MONTH PILOT ROLL OUT
✓City of San Ramon operating agreement with Bird Rides, Inc.
authorized on August 9, 2022
✓120 E-scooters and 30 pedal-assist E-bikes (”vehicles”)
✓Vehicles to operate within San Ramon city limits only
✓GPS Technology -“Geofencing” controls operating locations
and speeds of vehicles
✓Operations on IHT and within Bishop Ranch TBD
✓Pilot Program costs, O&M covered by Bird
✓511CC TDM to provide subsidies for user incentives
NEXT STEPS
✓San Ramon staff to provide regular updates on O&M,
performance and usage during pilot
✓Quarterly/Semi-annual reports to Danville Town Council
and Bicycle Advisory Commission
✓Evaluate feasibility/consider future expansion to
Danville, Walnut Creek, CCC, Dublin, BART, EBRPD
2 0 2 1
Hello,Danville
Our Why:
Improve our
communities and
the lives of those
around us.
3
A micromobility company
with a focus in shared
electric vehicles.
What is Bird?
4
Founded in 2017, Bird
saw instant success as
a pioneer in the space.
Today….
5 Continents. 25 Countries.
375 Cities. 100M+ Rides.
Most-trusted micromobility
provider in the country.
Bird’s Story
5
City Population
Crescent City CA 6,700
Eureka, CA 26,900
Windsor, CA 27,600
Culver City, CA 39,100
Coachella, CA 45,100
Redding, CA 91,500
Santa Clara, CA 126,700
Bakersfield, CA 379,800
Sacramento, CA 503,400
San Francisco, CA 874,700
Cities Big and Small
6
How it works
1.Download the Bird app
2.Sign user agreement & verify age (18+)
3.Add payment
4.Complete educational tutorials
5.Enjoy the ride!
7
Dynamic Stability Control Steering (DSCS)Stabilizes out-of-control, sudden or erratic movements, guards against unsafe turns or over-corrections.
Dual Wiper ThrottleAutomotive-grade functional safety and guaranteeing absolute speed-control accuracy
Status Indicator
Enhanced Lighting
PerformanceA rear motor gives Bird Three faster acceleration and more control in critical situations.
Throttle-Brake InterlockAutomatic safety actions to protect against accidentally holding the throttle.
Puncture-Proof Tires10” tires feature puncture-proof tech, higher traction, and decreased vibration.
Industry’s Longest-Lasting BatteryAutomotive-grade battery management system. Largest, safest, only operator with IP68 integrated battery
Seamless ScrewsProtection against injury and theft with no exposed screws
Anti-Theft EncryptionEnhanced encryption keeps our riders safe
and helps deter theft
Skid DetectionOnly vehicle with skid detection technology to prevent
improper riding behavior.
Tip Detection Technology
Battery 36 V, 21.0 Ah 10S6P
Charge Time 5.8 hrs
Range 35 miles
Braking Regen; Drum (front), disc (r)
Wheels 10” pneumatic
Top Speed 15 mph
Dimensions 47.7 in. x 19.3 in. x 46.8 in.
Lights Front / Rear LEDs
Autonomous Damage SensorsSelf-reporting damage sensors and automotive-inspired diagnostic technology
PerformanceAEB brings the vehicle to a stop in the event of a brake failure.
Anti-Tip Kick StandWith a dual anti-tipping kickstand, this Bird stands on its own two feet.
8 8
BirdBike City Safe & Street Smart:
Designed uniquely for ride share, the Bird Bike is a Class 1
Pedal Assist E-Bike that’s IOT connected and built to comply
with local rules and regulations.
Extra bright head & tail-lights
250W Motor 15.5 mph top speed
Large, Easy to Read display
Bird Vehicle Location Services (VLS)Multi-mode geolocation (GPS, GLONASS, BDS)
Dual Hand BrakesDurable and Safe Drum Brakes
Security & Tip DetectionUnlicensed movement and tip over detection
High Performance MaterialsAerospace grade aluminum alloy Robust vehicle diagnostic systemto ensure safe riding.
Industry Leading Security (GSM and BLE 4.1)Lock/Unlock; haptic and alarm sounds
IoT ConnectivityRemote motor deactivation, power and speed limitations
26 inch pneumatic tires
Extra bright head & tail-lights
Convenient storage basket
Integrated cable lock
Swappable Battery 60km / 37mi per charge, IP67 Rating
S P E C S
720WHr Swappable Battery (IP67 Rated)
Max 20% Grade Hill Climb
Class 1 vehicle 250W Motor, 47N.m net torque
Confidential and proprietary information
9
Pricing
Standard Pricing
$1 to unlock + per minute fee. = ~$7/ride.
Equitable Pricing Options
Discounts available to those in government
assistance programs, veterans, senior citizens,
healthcare workers, students with pell grants, etc.
9Confidential and proprietary information
10
Slow Zone No-Ride Zone
All vehicles are tracked with GPS.
When riders enter a designated
geo-zone, vehicles follow set rules.
Vehicles will slow down or
stop, and riders are notified
by a vehicle sound and an
in-app notification.
Geo-Zone Technology
Safety is our top priority.
We are committed to providing safe mobility—as
evidenced by our industry-leading safety record.
We hold ourselves to strict safety standards, and develop products and tools that protect riders and non-riders.
After 4 years and millions of rides taken
on our shared fleets, we are pleased
to report a global injury
Incidence rate of 1:50K rides,
less than half the medical incident rate of cars.
Bird’s safety focus has driven a safety record superior to cars and micromobility competition.
1.Global documented incident rate of 0.002%, roughly 1:50K rides 11
Documented Medical Incident Rate 1,2
1.Injury incidence rate calculated as the percentage of total trips with incidents or accidents reported which required medical treatment. Documented injury rates for bicycles, automobiles, and motorcycles reflect national averages, whereas Bird’s documented injury rate (1:50K) reflects Bird’s global average incidence rate.2.Sources include: Bird internal ride data, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics
1:50K
1:50K
1:20K
1:10K
12
Our Fleet Managers are local contract workers
responsible for managing a fleet including
charging, repairs, and various performance tasks.
Deep community ties,
and local knowledge
Fast issue resolution
Economic Opportunity
Aligned incentives
Being a fleet manager has
enabled me to take care of my
family, and provide employment
opportunities in a time where we
all need help.
- Chris, Atlanta, GA.
Local Run Operations
“
Local Touch:
World-class technology
& compliance tools
Operational know-how
Industry’s Safest Vehicles
Back by the
Industry Leader:
Confidential and Proprietary
Data Dashboard
●Report Summary:
○Rider behaviors such as frequency and
length of rides
○Number and length of rides segmented
in various dimensions
○Available vehicles and number of
rides/vehicle
●Map View:
○Current location of vehicles and ability to
restrict the view by specific areas
●Usage Heatmaps:
○Ride start & end locations to gain
visibility into how residents are moving
about the city
Confidential and proprietary information 13
14
No Investment Required
Dedicated Account Manager
Data Dashboard
# of Vehicles: 75-100
Launch Date: September
Approval Documentation: Pilot Operating
Agreement
Proposal
Confidential and Proprietary
Thank You
Bird Scooter FAQs
Bird + City Partnership
Why is Bird choosing to expand now?
Bird's mission is to make cities more livable by reducing car usage, traffic, and carbon
emissions. Bird was the first scooter company in the space, and is excited to be in a position
where we can meet our company mission and bring microboliity to as many cities in the
country as possible. Our newest Fleet Manager operating model allows us to provide high
touch and focused service to all communities regardless of the size.
Will it cost the city anything to bring Birds to town?
Bird can launch & operate at no cost to the city.
Who is the city’s main point of contact and who do we contact in the event of an
emergency?
Each city we work to launch Bird with will have a dedicated Account Manager who will be their
main point of contact at Bird. The Account Manager will work with the city throughout the
pre-launch and launch process to ensure a successful scooter program in each city.
Bird Scooter FAQs 1
ATTACHMENT B
Riders & Safety
How old do you have to be to ride?
We set the age to 18+.
How does Bird prevent underage riding?
During account set up users are asked to verify their age. As needed we can add a feature to
scan their ID or driver's license.
How do you address riding these on the sidewalk?
Riders are reminded of safe riding & parking expectations through banner & in-app
notifications in the Bird app
How does Bird address Safety?
Safety has been Bird’s top priority since day one.Bird has built several features in app to
address safety, including Helmet Selfie, Warm-Up Mode,as well as in-app safety tutorials, and
a safety video available on our blog and website.Additionally, each city will also have an
Account Manager who can work closely with your team to address any safety concerns if they
arise. Your dedicated account manager will also be able to walk you through all new safety
features, and update you as we release new ones as well
Bird Scooter FAQs 2
Vehicles & Operations
How much does it cost
Renting a Bird will cost the rider a $1 unlock fee+a per minute fee. Billing is all done through the
Bird app with a credit or debit card.
Bird has discounted pricing programs available for frontline workers, active duty and retired
military personnel, low-income, veterans, senior citizens and select community and
non-profit groups.
Learn more about eligibility requirements:
https://www.bird.co/bird-access/
https://help.bird.co/hc/en-us/articles/360051003951-Community-Pricing-
What is the speed of the Bird scooters?
Our scooters go up to 15mph, which aligns with the speed of the casual biker.We have the
ability to create slow speed zones and adjust the speed.
“Warm-up mode” is available for all riders which will automatically soften a Bird scooter’s
acceleration, allowing riders to slowly work their way up to full speed.
Where will Birds be able to operate?
When Bird launches in a new city, we create an operating zone on the backend, which will
correspond to an area on a map. We will work with the city to align on the operating area that
will align with the city’s goals of ridership & access to alternative transportation. Birds will only
operate in this area and will slow to a stop outside of it. The city can also highlight any specific
areas with parking rules, slow speeds or no riding.
Where will the scooters need to be parked?
Bird follows a dockless model, which means riders can park wherever they would like within the
operating area. We educate riders where and how to park: at a bike rack when available, and
Bird Scooter FAQs 3
not blocking the right-of-way, sidewalks, ADA ramps, or driveways. At the end of each Bird ride,
riders will be promoted to take a picture of the parked scooter as proof.
Our Fleet Manager will be notified if a vehicle that is not in a ride is being moved- this will help
to keep the fleet organized in case someone moves a parked vehicle out of place
How does Bird manage “clutter” or vehicles being left everywhere?
Our local fleet managers are responsible for rebalancing and moving vehicles throughout the
city during operating hours. They pay attention to areas of scooter congestion as well as
demand throughout the day, and rebalance vehicles accordingly. On the rider side, riders are
required to take a photo of their appropriately parked Bird after each ride, which adds a layer
of accountability. Bird can also display any bike racks or designated scooter parking
infrastructure that a city may have in place, in the Bird app for riders to see as they end their
ride.
How many scooters will Bird be operating in town?
As we work with cities to plan our Bird launch, we calculate the ideal scooter fleet size
generally based on population size of the city as well as other factors such as tourism,
commuter traffic, university presence, and more. Generally after launching an initial fleet in
town, the Bird team monitors utilization after launch and works with city administrators to get
approval to add more to the fleet as demand & usage increases.
How does Bird source their local fleet managers?
Bird works with local businesses, entrepreneurs, or community organizations to help manage
our fleets locally and address the unique needs of each community. These individuals are
selected based on a number of criteria to help best ensure the success of the fleet and a
strong partnership with the city.
Where are the Birds washed, charged and repaired/stored?
Our local Fleet Managers charge, maintain, and store Birds in their own facilities.
Bird Scooter FAQs 4