Reading’s bike hire scheme’s future is in chaos after University of Reading staff said it was not “financially viable".
Councillor Tony Page, the deputy leader of Reading Borough Council, had criticised the university for not offering to help fund the ReadyBike scheme, which is run by HourBike.
He said: "I think it's regrettable the university hasn't yet to put its hand in its collective pocket, bearing in mind the two most popular hubs are at the university."
But the university said the responsibility was not theirs to bear, and that they were ‘surprised’ to be lumbered with it.
A spokesperson said: "The current ReadyBike business model, determined by the council, is not financially viable for the long-term success of the scheme.
"ReadyBike is currently reviewing its plans for the future and the University is in regular contact with them about potential improvements to the scheme to help support it going forward.”
ReadyBike provides 200 bicycles for hire for residents and visitors from 29 locations in Reading and the surrounding area.
The council was originally to fund £130,000 in running costs, but austerity measures have meant this has been pulled and alternative measures have to be found to save the scheme.
Its current contractor requires a six month notice period so the scheme will be funded until August. Unless another funder is brought in, the scheme will fold.
Cllr Page said earlier this month, according to Get Reading: "ReadyBike is not some isolated council vanity project, it formed part of a very comprehensive bid to central government for local sustainable transport funding which secured around £25 million of investment.
"For the last couple of years the council has been subsidising the operation of ReadyBike and under the relentless onslaught of Government cuts it is a very difficult priority to argue that we should continue to subsidise to the tune of £130,000 a year the operation of Readybike.”
[/quote] Nonsense. People don't remember all sorts mundane and immemorable tasks. I've had two TBIs from cars colliding with me. The latter I was...
rather worrying, I thought they were supposed to have a better understanding of the law than the standard person, if they can't see an offence here...
HAHAHA. Well it looks like Mrs Totale got a pretty decent bike! Looking to spend 1000-1500 and so far, i think this could be a winner! Might even...
Apparently there is a consultation open for feedback on what payment scheme the commoners will get:...
Only if you can get the fares. Driving is earning, waiting does not.
Offering their thoughts and prayers, perchance? (I hope the cyclist came out of it in a better state than their bike...)
What's the chances then that the frames end up going through the same sub-contracted assembly centre, probably having originated at the same far...
Neat. It's even got somewhere to keep your contact lenses.
He admitted to all the charges you highlight before this tribunal began & there's no charge for lost/destroyed data from what I can see?...
I thought the primary position was the middle of the lane?