London Cycle Hire Scheme
In August 2009, Transport for London (TfL) awarded the London Cycle Hire Scheme (LCHS) to Serco. Serco are providing a full end-to-end solution, with responsibility for the design, build and operation of this innovative scheme, due to be launched in the Summer of 2010.
Serco will be providing 6,000 bicycles available from 10,000 docking points located at 400 docking stations across central London. The scheme aims to alleviate congestion on the tubes and buses whilst providing a faster, more reliable and environmentally friendly way to make short journeys in London.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has a vision to create a cycling revolution in London, and the successful implementation and operation of the London Cycle Hire Scheme is fundamental to this vision.
The contract signed by Transport for London and Serco is valued at £140m over its six year term with a possible further extension of two years.
The scheme will operate across nine London boroughs and several Royal parks, and will initially cover an area of approximately 44 square kilometres, roughly equivalent to Transport for London's central fare zone (Zone 1).
The bicycles are based on an award-winning design which has been successfully used in Montreal, Canada and the cycles will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Traffic England brings you live traffic information for motorways and A-roads in England so you can avoid delays by changing your route, altering the time you travel, or even leaving the car at home and taking the train instead.