Zagster Brings Bike Sharing To Texas A&M University

By Texas A&M University Transportation Services

Published: February 21, 2017

Texas A&M students, faculty and staff now have access to 75 cruiser bikes through a university partnership with Zagster.

Texas A&M University Transportation Services and Zagster, Inc., launched a new bike-share program today that will provide the entire Texas A&M community with a convenient, affordable and healthy way to get on, off and around campus.

The program features 75 cruiser bikes stationed at 10 locations throughout campus, including Wehner/West Campus Library, Academic Plaza, The HUB and Sbisa Dining Hall. Riders can pay by the hour, or join the program by signing up for annual memberships. Rides for members — who must be 18 or older — are free for the first hour on weekdays, free for the first three hours on weekends, and are then three dollars per hour after that.

“Texas A&M is committed to providing innovative transportation options that give members of the campus community the freedom to go where they want, when they want — and bike sharing is a crucial component of that goal,” said Associate Vice President Peter Lange, Texas A&M University Transportation Services. “We’re proud to partner with Zagster to launch a full-scale bike share that will make our campus more sustainable and reduce congestion by inspiring students to bike rather than drive.”

Bike sharing is a perfect fit for college campuses, where there are a high volume of short trips yet limited space for personal vehicles, said Jon Terbush, Zagster communications manager. And Zagster’s app-based service is a perfect fit for today’s mobile-first students, offering on-demand access to bikes at the touch of a button.

“With nationwide shifts toward shared and on-demand modes of transit — particularly among younger Americans — bike-sharing will soon be the norm on college campuses everywhere,” said Timothy Ericson, Zagster co-founder and CEO. “We’re pleased to partner with Texas A&M Transportation Services to help the university set a new standard for comprehensive campus mobility.”

Bikes can be found and reserved via the free Zagster mobile app — available for iPhone and Android — or online at zagster.com/TAMU. Riders can access bikes using codes provided by the Zagster mobile app or via text message. An integrated, retractable cable mounted to each bike can be locked and unlocked throughout a trip for mid-trip stops. After the rider returns the bike to a designated station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.

Texas A&M’s bike share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride and easy handling, Terbush added. The bike features a Bluetooth-enabled ring lock — the first of its kind in North American bike sharing — to provide the most streamlined and convenient experience available. The bike also includes a spacious basket that’s perfect for carrying groceries, takeout, or personal belongings. And because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell and full reflectors, he added.

While Zagster’s centralized operations team will run the program, the company has contracted College Station’s own Aggieland Cycling to perform the regular maintenance and repairs necessary to keep the system running smoothly.

More information about the program can be found at zagster.com/TAMU.

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