The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement project is sure to cause commuter-related headaches in the next three weeks. In an attempt to alleviate some of that stress, Hubway is launching a new app in advance of the construction congestion.
This is the Boston bike-sharing program’s first app and its main focus will be to help commuters find stations and available bikes and purchase passes. And, of course, to bypass the vehicular traffic on two wheels.
The project will affect bus, train and vehicle routes in an effort to rebuild the bridge in about three weeks. Though a 1.5 mile long area on Commonwealth Avenue between Kenmore Square and Packard’s Corner will be closed to cars and trains, it will still stay open to pedestrians and bicyclists.
To take advantage of this, Hubway is partnering with MassDOT to add two temporary Hubway stations along Commonwealth Avenue. The additional stations will be at Babcock Street and Silber Way.
Hubway Ambassadors will hang out at those temporary stations from 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday in order to help users and provide more bikes on a first-come, first-serve basis.
All other Hubway stations along Commonwealth Avenue and throughout Boston will operate as normal during the construction time.
Through the app, available on iPhone and Android, riders can check for available bikes and docking spaces in real time. Plus, it shows personal stats like miles traveled and calories burned.
The app is also providing a special deal to riders with a limited time $1 single ride or $20 off of a new annual membership. The single ride is only available during the construction project, from July 26 to August 14. It covers up to 30 minutes of travel and if you need to keep the Hubway bike out longer, it’s $3 for each additional 30 minutes. An annual membership is $99.
“With major work planned for Commonwealth Avenue, our hope is that Hubway’s new mobile app can provide a convenience for Bostonians who need to find new ways around town,” said Hubway General Manager Katie O’Connor in a statement. “If you’ve never tried Hubway before, this summer is the perfect opportunity with reduced-cost fares for this simple, enjoyable way to get around town.”
Hubway is operated by Motivate, which also runs other bike-sharing systems like New York’s Citi Bike and Washington’s Capital Bikeshare.
