Austin’s bikeshare program underwent a major transition in 2024 when Capital Metro (CapMetro) partnered with a new equipment vendor to replace and relaunch the program. With the system in flux and the city evolving rapidly, CapMetro needed a long-term expansion vision rooted in genuine community input, one that reflected where ridership could grow and what the program would need to sustain it.
Foursquare ITP worked closely with CapMetro Bikeshare’s operational team to develop a 10-year incremental growth plan that accounted for Austin’s rapid changes and CapMetro’s broader operational needs. Our community engagement effort reached populations that might not typically consider bikeshare by using community connectors, local residents compensated for their time, to build trust and gather meaningful input.
The resulting plan charts how the system will grow over the next decade, identifies staffing, equipment, and facility needs, and establishes a comprehensive set of metrics to evaluate future bikeshare performance. Foursquare ITP also created a financial forecast for the program, providing CapMetro with tools to plan proactively for future operating and capital costs.
Solutions and Outcomes
- Established a 10-year incremental growth plan tied to Austin’s changing travel patterns.
- Designed and led a community engagement effort using compensated local connectors to reach underserved populations.
- Defined staffing, equipment, and facility needs to support long-term system growth.
- Developed a financial forecast to guide future operating and capital investment decisions.