Bird and WeGo Public Transit Form Nashville's First Private-Public Partnership Focused on Expanding Access to E-Scooters

Rhea-AI Summary

Bird Global (NYSE:BRDS) has partnered with WeGo Public Transit in Nashville to launch a pilot program aimed at closing first- and last-mile transit gaps using eco-friendly micro-electric scooters. This partnership seeks to enhance access to public transit, reducing reliance on gas-powered vehicles. The program will specifically aid commuters traveling to areas like Nolensville Pike and Gallatin Pike. Bird's previous services in Nashville have positively impacted local businesses with an estimated $750,000 contribution to economic recovery.

Positive

• Partnership with WeGo Public Transit enhances eco-friendly transit options.
• Addresses specific transit gaps in Nashville, promoting public transport adoption.
• Estimated $750,000 economic impact to local businesses in 2021.

Negative

• None.

Program Aims to Close Transit Gaps with Eco-Friendly Micro-Electric Vehicles and Drive Further Public Transit Adoption

LOS ANGELES & NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bird Global, Inc. (NYSE:BRDS), a leader in environmentally friendly electric transportation and WeGo Public Transit, Nashville’s public transit agency, today announced a pilot program in which the two entities will team up to bridge first- and last-mile transit gaps with Bird’s eco-friendly micro-electric scooters.

Bird and WeGo Public Transit Form Nashville's First Private-Public Partnership Focused on Expanding Access to E-Scooters (Photo: Business Wire)

Transit gaps in communities represent barriers to public transit access for workers and students as well as medical personnel and other essential workers. These barriers can result in an overreliance on gas-powered cars that dirty the air and clog streets. Through this innovative collaboration, Bird and WeGo aim to improve residents’ access to eco-friendly transit alternatives and increase adoption of public transportation in the city.

By pairing WeGo’s expertise, insights and data about transit usage patterns with Bird’s operational data and experience, the two organizations are creating a program that addresses specific transit gaps in the community. Through the program, individuals traveling to or from locations such as Nolensville Pike, Gallatin Pike and Murfreesboro Pike will have consistent and reliable access to Bird scooters to reach their final destination – last mile journeys often previously taken by car.

“Mode shift on a massive scale requires partnerships and collaborations across companies such as Bird and public organizations like WeGo,” said Brian Buccella, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products and Government Partnerships at Bird. “Together, we can go further and have an even greater impact on providing people with a clean, safe alternative to transportation options that result in tailpipe emissions. We look forward to seeing the results of our collaboration with WeGo and applaud the city’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation alternatives that complement their existing transit networks.”

This partnership highlights Bird’s commitment to working with cities to provide bespoke programs to fit their unique needs. Since launching in Nashville in the spring of 2018, Bird has remained focused on partnering with the city to provide the best possible service for its nearly 700,000 residents and hundreds of thousands of annual visitors. In 2021, Bird riders in Nashville helped contribute an estimated $750,000 in positive economic impact to local businesses to aid with economic recovery. That same year, Bird also saw an increase in female ridership in the city.

About Bird

Bird is an electric vehicle company dedicated to bringing affordable, environmentally friendly transportation solutions such as e-scooters and e-bikes to communities across the world. Founded in 2017 by transportation pioneer Travis VanderZanden, Bird is rapidly expanding. Today, it provides fleets of shared micro electric vehicles to riders in more than 350 cities globally and makes its products available for purchase at www.bird.co and via leading retailers and distribution partners. Bird partners closely with the cities in which it operates to provide a reliable and affordable transportation option for people who live and work there.

About WeGo Public Transit

The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (Nashville MTA) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) are operating bodies of WeGo Public Transit, which serves 26 local bus routes, nine regional bus routes, and one train serving Davidson and Wilson Counties. Visit WeGoTransit.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220202005299/en/

Investor

Caitlin Churchill

investor@bird.co

Media

Rebecca Hahn

press@bird.co

Source: Bird Global, Inc.

FAQ

What is the new program launched by Bird Global and WeGo Public Transit?

Bird Global and WeGo Public Transit have launched a pilot program using micro-electric scooters to close first- and last-mile transit gaps in Nashville.

How will the partnership improve public transit access in Nashville?

The partnership aims to provide reliable access to eco-friendly transportation options for residents, addressing specific transit gaps.

What economic impact did Bird Global have in Nashville in 2021?

In 2021, Bird riders contributed an estimated $750,000 to local businesses in Nashville.

When did Bird Global start its services in Nashville?

Bird Global started its services in Nashville in the spring of 2018.

What are the locations targeted by Bird's new scooter program?

The scooter program will target areas such as Nolensville Pike, Gallatin Pike, and Murfreesboro Pike.