City of Chicago and Lyft Launch Major Divvy Membership Improvements and New Stations During Peak Riding Season
Divvy annual membership reduced to $99 for new and returning members, part of a series of improvements to enhance Divvy access, affordability, and convenience
CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and Lyft, the operator of Chicago's Divvy bike and scooter share system, today announced a significant package of new rider-focused improvements, including reduced annual membership costs for new and lapsed Divvy members. Additional updates include capped ebike fees, new “densified” stations to improve bike availability during rush hour, and elimination of unlock fees in key equity-focused zones. These enhancements are launching July 7 at the peak summer riding season.
“By investing in Divvy improvements, we're not only supporting more sustainable mobility options but also ensuring cost isn't a barrier to accessing cleaner transportation throughout our city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This investment allows us to deliver immediate benefits to riders while building a more affordable, more connected Chicago."
Supported by over $3 million from the City of Chicago, these improvements directly respond to rider feedback and advance the City’s commitment to equitable and sustainable transportation options.
Key Program Enhancements Include:
- Membership access: Annual membership pricing reduced to $99 for new and lapsed members (previously $143.90), making bike share more affordable for Chicago residents.
- Equity-focused fee relief: For non-members, unlock fees are removed for trips beginning in Equity Priority Areas, reducing barriers to bike share access.
- Affordable trip caps: Trips for members between 30-45 minutes will be capped at the cost of a 30-minute ride, providing predictable pricing for longer rides.
- More parking capacity: 750 new docks will be added downtown, providing riders with docks and devices when they need them most in the densest parts of Chicago.
- Enhanced options: Introduction of "low assist mode" for members, allowing riders to choose between full ebike assistance or reduced assistance with Classic pedal bike feel and pricing when traditional bikes aren't available. Members riding ebikes will also have the ability to pause their trips for up to 15 minutes.
“Divvy has been an important part of Chicago’s transportation network for 12 years, and we’re continuing to enhance the system to make it a more convenient and affordable option for more Chicagoans,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “These upgrades will help us close mobility gaps and give more Chicagoans access to sustainable transportation.”
“Lyft is proud to partner with CDOT to deliver on our shared commitment to making Divvy more available to every Chicagoan,” said Sean Madison, General Manager of Divvy. "By reducing costs for members and improving service in key areas of the city, we're ensuring that bike share connects communities and supports Chicago's climate goals."
“By making Divvy even more accessible, these improvements from CDOT and Lyft will ensure bike share in Chicago remains an affordable and convenient option for everyday trips,” said Amy Rynell, Executive Director of Active Transportation Alliance.
“Divvy over time has become a critical part of the infrastructure of the Loop, with over 1,700 rides per day to and from the Loop,” said Michael Edwards, President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “Micromobility provides options to the way people live and work that are crucial to the downtown experience, and increased dock availability enhances Chicago's profile as a national leader in all modes of transportation.”
"Investments in broadening the reach and affordability of Chicago's bike share system demonstrate an ongoing commitment to making Divvy a viable option for all Chicagoans,” said Alex Nelson, Better Streets Chicago Strategic Advisor. “Divvy is one essential piece of a well-rounded multi-modal transportation system, and it's exciting to see CDOT expand Divvy's footprint while reducing the barriers to entry. We hope to see this trend continue as Chicagoans continue to explore alternatives to cars in their lives. And as a regular Divvy rider myself, I can identify several ways in which these changes will improve my experience with the system and am eager to see them implemented."
As CDOT and Lyft roll out these new benefits and perks, minor pricing adjustments will also take effect to account for inflation. Member classic trips longer than 45 minutes will increase by one cent, to $0.19/minute. Scooter prices will increase from $0.29 per minute to $0.31 per minute for members. Member ebike trips will increase from $0.18/minute to $0.19/minute. The cost of annual membership will not increase for current members who renew this year.
All enhancements will be available while supplies last, with riders able to access the new features through the Divvy and Lyft apps.