The Redding (CA) Area Bus Authority and Redding Bikeshare Have Partnered To Provide RABA Riders With Free Bike Rides

Many docks are located near or at Downtown Redding bus stops. (Photo courtesy of RABA)

In April, riders on Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) fixed and flex route buses traveling to and from Downtown Redding can ask the bus operator for a free 24-hour coupon to ride Redding Bikeshare. Many docks are near or at Downtown Redding bus stops, making getting to and from bus stops and their destinations easier, quicker, and more convenient.

“The goal is to bring RABA riders closer to their destination or a bus stop in a fun, fast, convenient way,” John Andoh, Transit Manager for the Redding Area Bus Authority, said.

To use this free service, RABA riders should download the BCycle app to their smartphone and register. After registration, they should select RABA First Mile Last Mile Pass, enter the code on the coupon, and unlock a bicycle.

Riders using this program must return the bike within 60 minutes to avoid a $3 charge, but they can use the bicycles as often as they like within 24 hours. A credit card, debit card, or pre-paid credit card is required to use this program. A $30 hold will be placed on the card until the bike is returned. RABA riders without a bank credit card can apply for access to use a pre-paid card with Redding Bikeshare. Details can be found by visiting the Shasta Bike Depot in Downtown Redding.

“We are excited about our partnership with RABA and this new option that helps people in Redding commute in comfort with shared mobility. If the walk from the bus station to work feels too far, then Redding Bikeshare can be the solution to a quick and convenient trip,” Anne Thomas, Executive Director of Shasta Living Streets, said. She operates Redding Bikeshare from the Shasta Bike Depot.

“We have been planning and working with RABA and keeping Shasta County transit users in mind since 2018, as we designed the Shasta Bike Depot to be a mobility hub located at the Downtown Transit Center,” Thomas added. “We have also worked to place bikeshare stations near bus stops, work sites, and places people want to go, and now this partnership to help make transportation multi-modal in Shasta County.  It’s accurate to think of Redding Bikeshare as two-wheeled public transit.”

This program is funded through a State Transit Assistance grant through the Shasta Regional Transportation Agency, and one of its goals is to encourage Shasta County residents to be active and healthy by riding a bike.

For a list of Redding Bikeshare stations, visit  https://shastalivingstreets.org/redding-bikeshare/. This spring, more bikes and docking stations will be added to the Redding Bikeshare system.

For more information on RABA, visit RABAride.com. For more information about Shasta Living Streets and Redding Bikeshare, visit shastalivingstreets.org.