Bird is one of several electronic scooter companies operating in Washington, D.C. The e-scooters are incredibly convenient for traveling around town; millions of rides are taken each year. But as of January 1, the Bird scooters have all disappeared from city sidewalks.
The reason for this has since become clear: The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) did not renew Birds permit to operate. The company is fighting the decision, and has filed a petition with the D.C. Superior Court.
Indeed, the citys move to block Bird scooters seems extremely erratic. The DDOT renewed the permits of three other companiesLime, Lyft, and Spinand issued one for a newer entrant, VeoRide. The city had previously announced plans to allow up to five e-scooter companies to operate within the city, and thus it would seem there is room for Bird, too.
City officials ranked the five companies on a variety of criteria, including sustainability, safety, and equity. Bird came in fifth place, receiving 445 total points, and was not renewed. This was just one fewer point than the fourth-place finisher, which was renewed. Its hard to understand why Birds nearly identical score did not qualify.
Moreover, Bird claims in its petition that the officials who scored the company clearly erred, awarding the company zero points in certain categories where the lowest possible score was one.
“There is room in the regulations for five operators and we are confident that if scored accurately, our application would make Bird eligible for a permit, benefiting riders and our logistics partners in D.C.,” said Maggie Hoffman, vice president of city growth and strategy at Bird, to DCist. “Were filing this complaint because DDOTs arbitrary and capricious decisions will harm District residents who rely on Bird.”
Arbitrary and capricious seem like accurate descriptions of the transportation authoritys behavior. I say this as a Washington, D.C., resident and a frequent rider of e-scooters. (Disclaimer: I have participated in numerous promotions to receive free rides, specifically from Bird.) The differences between Birds, Limes, Lyfts, and Spins are slight, having to do with the locking mechanisms, areas where geo-fencing kicks in, and the literal look and design of the scooters. Theres clearly no justification for concluding that the Birds are a unique public menace. The city isnt even pretending theres some big difference with Birdthe companys score was just one point off.
In addition to Community Pricing, in Washington, D. C. We provide a special program called Bird Access for low-income riders, which allows anyone enrolled in or qualified for government assistance to ride for free for as long as 30 minutes. To become a member, you must 1) download the Bird app, create an account, and 2) use the “Enroll Now” link below to submit proof of eligibility (a photo of your SNAP card or a discounted utility bill are two examples). Note: When applying, please use the email address you used to download the Bird app.
Please be aware that you are still subject to the terms of Bird’s Rental Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service if you use the Community Pricing or Bird Access Programs. By using the Bird Access program, you consent to the following usage restrictions: (i) use the program only for the intended audience and purpose, and in a lawful manner; (ii) sell or transfer the program in any way, unless Bird specifically permits it; (iii) Bird reserves the right to disable the program at any time for any reason, without liability to Bird; (iv) use the program only in accordance with the terms that Bird sets for such Program; and (v) subject to quantity or value limits as determined by Bird. In the event that Bird determines or believes that the program’s use was improper, fraudulent, unlawful, or otherwise in violation of Bird’s agreements or the specific terms applicable to the Low Income Program, Bird maintains the right to terminate access to the Bird Access program. Until you cancel your enrollment in the Bird Access program or your account is otherwise suspended or terminated in accordance with these terms, you will continue to receive free rides for two years before having to re-enroll. Please send us an email at help@bird.com or leave a message in the “Help” area of our app to cancel. co.
Indeed, the citys move to block Bird scooters seems extremely erratic. The DDOT renewed the permits of three other companiesLime, Lyft, and Spinand issued one for a newer entrant, VeoRide. The city had previously announced plans to allow up to five e-scooter companies to operate within the city, and thus it would seem there is room for Bird, too.
“There is room in the regulations for five operators and we are confident that if scored accurately, our application would make Bird eligible for a permit, benefiting riders and our logistics partners in D.C.,” said Maggie Hoffman, vice president of city growth and strategy at Bird, to DCist. “Were filing this complaint because DDOTs arbitrary and capricious decisions will harm District residents who rely on Bird.”
Since then, the cause of this has emerged: Birds’ operating permit was not renewed by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The business has petitioned the D to overturn the decision. C. Superior Court.
Bird is one of several electronic scooter companies operating in Washington, D.C. The e-scooters are incredibly convenient for traveling around town; millions of rides are taken each year. But as of January 1, the Bird scooters have all disappeared from city sidewalks.
Moreover, Bird claims in its petition that the officials who scored the company clearly erred, awarding the company zero points in certain categories where the lowest possible score was one.
FAQ
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