Op-Ed: ‘Citi Bike’s pricing strategy feels … like a hostage negotiation’

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In an editorial, Jersey City resident Kevin Davis goes off about the latest fare hike being implemented by Citi Bike, impacting Jersey City and Hoboken riders.

Twitter photo.

As a CitiBike member since 2021, and someone in the top 1% of users, I’ve been raising the alarm on fare hikes since 2023.

Now, with the third fare hike in 13 months, CitiBike’s pricing strategy feels less like a transportation solution and more like a hostage negotiation.

“You want to save the planet? That’ll be $0.21 a minute.” At this rate, they’re going to start charging us to look at the bikes.

In 2021, e-bike rates for New Jersey members were $0.10 per minute. As of January 2025, they’ve more than doubled to $0.21 per minute, a 110% increase.

Non-members have it even worse: $0.38 per minute and a $4.99 undocking fee. At those prices, you might as well call an Uber, sit in traffic, and enjoy the ride in air-conditioned misery.

Where Are the Advocates?

Advocacy organizations like BikeJC, which lists CitiBike as a sponsor on its website, have been quiet on these relentless fare hikes. While prominent members have called for unconditional subsidies to keep the system running in the past, they haven’t addressed the need for fairness in pricing. Is this silence a coincidence, or does having CitiBike as a sponsor make it harder for them to critique the company?

If Hoboken and Jersey City provide more subsidies, they must reopen the contract to demand meaningful changes. Because right now, handing CitiBike more money without conditions is like giving a toddler candy and hoping they won’t eat it all at once. Here’s what must be on the table:

1. Accountability for Scofflaws: Reckless riding must be tracked, with warnings for repeat offenders. Riding a CitiBike is a privilege, not a right. If you’re tearing down a sidewalk like you’re in Fast & Furious: Hoboken Drift, maybe CitiBike should know about it, and maybe you should slow down before you meet a stop sign the hard way.

2. Fare Hike Transparency: Riders deserve three months’ notice and public hearings for any fare increases. If we’re going to pay more, at least let us complain about it first.

3. Fair Fare Caps: Tie fare hikes to inflation or independently proven operational costs.

The Bottom Line

CitiBike is a vital part of our transportation network, but Hoboken and Jersey City must demand transparency, accountability, and fairness. Riders deserve better. Otherwise, here’s my prediction for 2025: CitiBike will announce another fare hike, and everyone will act shocked.

Kevin Davis

Hudson County, NJ


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