We are thrilled to share that the Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program will grow significantly, thanks to a $1 million commitment from Citi and Mastercard.
With this support, the first-responder, healthcare, and transit workforce, essential City of New York employees, and New Yorkers who work at food support non-profits will be eligible to obtain an annual Citi Bike membership at no cost. Eligible employers should email HeroBikes@Lyft.com to obtain enrollment information to distribute to staff.
In partnership with NYC DOT, Citi Bike will also begin Bronx and Upper Manhattan expansion next week, with more than 100 new stations, including stations serving essential workers outside Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx and Harlem Hospital in Manhattan.
This program is part of LyftUp, Lyft's comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to those who need it most. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Lyft has activated more than 500 LyftUp partners across the country to provide free rides and delivery to those with essential transportation needs, including low-income seniors, families with children, healthcare workers, and more. This includes over a dozen New York-based non-profit partners, including NY Cares, Asian American Federation, Queens Community House and more who are ensuring people and families in need are connected to essential goods and services. Now thanks to Citi and Mastercard, we will be able to serve even more frontline workers with bikeshare access during this critical time.
“The most effective interventions in the fight against COVID-19 are ones that help essential workers get us through this crisis, while laying the foundation for a fairer and better city in the future,” said NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m grateful to Lyft, Citi, and Mastercard for standing with first responders – and for helping our city provide expanded access to bikeshare in underserved areas.”
“With New Yorkers stepping up in an extraordinary way to serve their communities in the fight against COVID-19, Lyft is grateful to our partners Citi and Mastercard for their generous support of the Citi Bike Critical Workforce Program,” said Caroline Samponaro, Head of Micromobility and Transit Policy at Lyft. “This program is a central component of LyftUp, our comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to all and provide free rides to those who need them most right now. Thanks to Citi and Mastercard, who each have a long history of supporting bikeshare in New York, we will be able to serve even more frontline workers during this critical time and as we work with the de Blasio administration to expand Citi Bike into the Bronx and Upper Manhattan”
“At Citi, we are extremely grateful to our first responders, healthcare workers and all those serving on the front lines who are keeping New Yorkers safe and our communities running. Funding free annual Citi Bike memberships is one way we are demonstrating our deep appreciation to these heroes for their service and sacrifice,” said Ed Skyler, Citi’s Head of Public Affairs.
“Frontline responders, healthcare and essential workers deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration for protecting and giving back to their communities during these difficult times,” said Sherri Haymond, executive vice president, Digital Partnerships, Mastercard. “In working alongside Lyft, Citi and the City of New York to expand the Citi Bike Critical Workforce Program, we’re honored to be able to provide these critical workers with a convenient and safe way to commute. We will continue to look for ways to support those helping us and celebrate their important contributions.”
For more information on the Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program, please visit the Citi Bike blog.