Design
Design, innovation and technology were the hallmarks that guided the development of our system, our first foray in this area, and will continue to guide all projects we undertake.
Innovation.
In the process, no fewer than seven patents were granted for the bike itself and system innovations.
View the BikesDevelopment
The development of the original BIXI system is typical of our approach. We undertook extensive research around the world on public bike systems then in operation. We noted their strengths and weaknesses, and decided we had to start from a clean sheet in order to create a system that would be superior to any system available at that time.
Our system was created to marry form and function, with design elements carrying over from one component to another, making the system a harmonious whole, and one that was an unobtrusive enhancement to the urban landscape, not an impediment to enjoying it.
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Software
In addition to its physical components, one of our major advantages is the software that runs it. It is based on Stationnement de Montréal's award-winning software used to manage the City's parking operations. The software has yet to fail and can collect virtually any data about users and usage that managers might need. The pay stations themselves boast a 99.7% in-service rate.
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Adaptability
Another of our areas of expertise is in creating systems that are highly adaptable. Our system has proven its ability to handle climatic extremes and the rigours of urban travel of cities as different as Montreal and Melbourne, to name but two. At our manufacturing plant, we even have an “environmental chamber” that puts each component of every system we create through stress tests far in excess of any condition it would face during its lifetime.
BIXI is also physically very adaptable as well. As an example, although the original BIXI system was created to run on solar power, one of our clients wanted it hooked up to the city’s power grid. Not a problem. The core components of the system remain the same, but its modular nature and our commitment to flexibility means it can be reconfigured to suit virtually any requirements from our clients.
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Municipal experience
And finally, as a quasi-public entity, we have a profound expertise in dealing with municipal and other levels of government. We understand how they function, how they need to be approached, and what their very real concerns and priorities are. This kind of experience seems in shorter supply in companies operating in the private sector.