The electric transportation company Bird begins operations with eco-friendly scooters in Redwood City, with the aim of helping to replace gasoline-powered automobile travel, thereby reducing carbon emissions in the city and making communities more livable.
"We welcome Bird to Redwood City and look forward to offering community members a new, eco-friendly and fun way to get around. Whether shopping and dining downtown or just taking a stroll to the library or park, residents and visitors will now have a new way to get there," said City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz.
The company's scooters, developed by a team of vehicle engineering and design experts, also provide a natural form of social distancing to get around and offer residents without cars another transportation option.
"We applaud the City of Redwood City for its commitment to providing convenient, environmentally friendly and reliable transportation options for residents and visitors," said Austin Marshburn, Bird's director of city-university partnerships.
Among the benefits Bird offers Redwood City riders include community pricing, which means a 50 percent discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, selected local nonprofits and community organizations, veterans and seniors.
Those who qualify can register by downloading the Bird application, creating an account and emailing proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
It also offers free rides for health care workers and emergency personnel. However, you must qualify and register by emailing a copy of your medical ID card, name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible passengers receive two free 30-minute trips per day.
Anyone with a Bird account can report or provide feedback on vehicle-related problems, such as improperly parked or damaged vehicles in their area, by tapping the yield sign at the bottom left of the smartphone app's map. When a report is submitted, someone is assigned to correct the problem.
Bird currently offers fleets of passenger electric micro-vehicles in more than 400 cities around the world and offers its products for sale at www.bird.co and through major retailers and distribution partners.
Bird partners closely with the cities in which it operates to provide a reliable and affordable transportation option for the people who live and work there.
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