Princeton University Expands Popular Zagster Bike Share

PRINCETON, NJ--(Marketwired - Mar 22, 2016) - Princeton University's bike-share program is growing. Starting today, Zagster, Inc. has deployed 50 new cruiser bikes at eight new locations in and around the Princeton campus for on-demand, local trips. The system now features 60 bikes at nine stations. Riders can join the program for a one-time $20 membership fee. Rides for members are free for the first two hours, and then two dollars for each additional hour after that.

Unlike other programs in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop during a reservation, Zagster's program at Princeton gives users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want.

"The significant expansion of bikes and locations is a reflection of the strong utilization of the existing program and of the demand for an even larger one," said Timothy Ericson, Zagster's CEO. "We've really just scratched the surface of what's possible on campus and in the town."

The program offers students the option to not bring a bike to campus when they move in, and provides a sustainable option to anyone looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint. The additional bikes provide convenient, healthy, and sustainable transportation options to students, faculty, staff and visitors. 

"When people have options like Zagster, it makes it easier to leave a car at home, which reduces congestion, pollution and emissions on and around campus, helping us meet the University's and community's sustainability goals," said Kim Jackson, director of Transportation & Parking Services at Princeton University.

The municipality of Princeton has also been focusing on promoting biking as an alternative to driving. Thanks to cooperation between the town and the University, the municipality will also be installing bike-share locations in town beginning summer 2016. The University-Municipality partnership to create a community-wide program is very exciting. Princeton area residents are able to utilize the campus bike share stations while installation of the bike stations within the town is pending. 

Riding Princeton's bike share is easy. Bikes can be found via an online map at http://zagster.com/princeton or through the free Zagster Mobile App -- available for iPhone and Android. Each bike has a unique number, which riders enter into the app. The app displays a single-use code to open a lockbox on the back of the bike, which contains a key to the bike lock. (Alternatively, a rider can obtain the unlock code via text message). A key in the lockbox allows the bike to be locked and unlocked throughout a ride. After the rider returns their bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.

The Princeton bike share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride, and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that's perfect for carrying groceries, takeout or personal belongings. Because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic powered lights, a bell and full reflectors.

The Princeton bike share is supported by funding from Princeton University and the Princeton Forrestal Center.

Zagster's unique business model lowers the cost to Princeton and offers the school a truly flexible and modular system. Zagster manages all aspects of the bike-sharing program -- from bikes and technology, to maintenance and marketing -- ensuring that Princeton always has the latest technology, bikes and infrastructure.

About Zagster 
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Zagster is the largest and fastest-growing bike share provider in the United States. Zagster works directly with more than 130 communities across North America to make scalable bike-sharing programs available in areas where traditional bike-share providers can't reach. The company's goal: To make the bike the most loved form of transportation.

More information about Zagster and its programs can be found at www.zagster.com.