Fortaleza introduced a new bike-sharing system, Bicicleta Integrada, that is free to use and guarantees sustainable transport for all.
Fortaleza has rolled out a new, innovative bike-sharing system that differs from the many other systems around the world. The system offers low-income workers an opportunity to add bike-sharing trips to their customary transport, as the system does not require a credit card to register and is free of charge. With an installed app or a single ticket, the user can unlock and borrow a bike for a maximum of 14 hours. If the user does not return the bike in time, the user is blocked from using the system for a period of time. The system is integrated with the existing public transport, and thereby offers a sustainable means of last-mile transport. Today, there are five bus terminals with Bicicleta Integrada stations and 250 bikes in total.
Bicicleta Integrada does not have direct costs to the city of Fortaleza. The system was launched as part of a public bidding, inviting companies to operate the system, providing publicity by applying company logos on stations and bicycles.
270 tons CO2 reduced annually when the system is fully implemented by the end of 2017
The challenge
In Fortaleza, although there are more than 1,000,000 trips by public transportation per day, there’s an increasing number of motorization. Bringing sustainable alternatives to the population is essential to attract more people to transit and active modes of transportation.
Co-benefits
Economic With Bicicleta Integrada, the user does not need to have a credit card or prove income to register. Any penalty is assessed through usage and never through payment.
Social The system offers low-income workers without credit cards an opportunity to complement their daily mobility.
Health The project helps attack a sedentary way of life and by mitigating air pollution, it can reduce diseases such as respiratory ailments.
About Fortaleza
Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceará, located in Northeastern Brazil. It is an important industrial and commercial center of Brazil, the eighth nation’s largest municipal purchasing power. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the city reached the marks of second most desired destination of Brazil and fourth Brazilian city that receives more tourists.
