BROMPTON DOCK Ltd has announced a partnership with Virgin Trains to introduce Manchester's first fully-automated ‘smart’ cycle hire scheme at Manchester Piccadilly station.
From 3 April 2012 residents, commuters and visitors to Manchester will be able to hire a British hand-made folding bike located outside Piccadilly Station.
With no restrictions on public transport and train operators allowing them on during peak hours, the Brompton bike is a handy tool for getting around on.
Courtesy of this initiative, commuters and visitors to Manchester can now benefit from all the health benefits associated with cycling, with a product founded on the very best of British manufacturing and design expertise
The Brompton Dock will house up to 40 bikes. To be able to rent a bike you've got to register by visiting their website and following the instructions. Once registered, members can grab a bike and keep it for as long as they want, whether it‘s for an hour or a year.
There are different tariffs available for members for example the bike rent is £4 for a day, £15 for a week and £50 for a month. Thus the longer you rent the cheaper it gets.
Brompton also offer an occasional tariff with cheaper annual fees but more expensive rent per day. Once members return the bike their usage is calculated and automatically charged to their credit card at the end of each hire. Members can also reserve a bike in advance.
Norman Baker, Local Transport Minister, said: "I use a folding bike to get around London, especially when I need to get across to the House of Parliament quickly, so I know first-hand the benefits they bring. This innovation really showcases what can be achieved when transport providers come together to establish onward journey ideas for travellers. Commuters and visitors to Manchester can now benefit from all the health benefits associated with cycling, with a product founded on the very best of British manufacturing and design expertise."
Mark Antwis, Managing Director of Brompton Dock Ltd, comments: "With the launch of the new Manchester Piccadilly Brompton Dock, commuters and visitors in Manchester can now take advantage of an innovative system which offers an end to end journey solution. Brompton Dock provides easy access to the legendary Brompton bike which is fully transportable, meaning that you can take it with you wherever you go, even during busy times like rush hour."
