Seattle's summer commute just got a little more fun and a lot more convenient, with the return of the "Bike and Scoot to Transit" program. The initiative, which began last year, aims to reward riders for using shared bikes and e-scooters while connecting to transit hubs, making getting around the city easier and a bit more enjoyable. This year, the program has spread its wings to include additional transit stations in Redmond, Seattle, and Shoreline, as detailed by a blog post from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
Here's how the deal works: You'll need to first download the Transit GO Ticket app and sign up for rewards, linking your Lime or Bird accounts. Immediately, you'll nab 150 points for each connection. Then, whenever you end a ride at a designated parking spot at a participating transit hub, you get 300 reward points, which can be used for your next public transportation trip, and if you activate your transit ticket within 24 hours, you'll tack on an extra 700 points, or $7 worth of bike or scooter credits. And there's more, after completing a trip, participating in a short survey about your experience will land you an additional 150 points, as per SDOT's announcement.
With summer events like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ in sight and the ongoing big-ticket construction projects like WSDOT’s Revive I-5, the enhanced "Bike and Scoot to Transit" could be a game-changer for locals and tourists alike. It not only provides an alternative form of transportation but also alleviates some of the congestion that these events and projects are bound to create.
Apart from the incentive program, there's also practical help on offer – over 13,000 free helmets have been given away since the program kicked off in 2022. This is all in the spirit of safety first. Furthermore, the initiative has seen an increase in the number of bike and scooter parking spots near many transit hubs. These dedicated slots help keep transit stations and sidewalks accessible and clear of clutter which, in turn, simplifies the transfer from two wheels to public transit.
For anyone interested in maximizing their transit options this summer while earning some perks in the process, all the juicy details can be found on the "Bike and Scoot to Transit" webpage. So gear up, get the apps, and start racking up those points while you navigate the bustling streets of Seattle.
