Scooter startup offers discounts to people with low incomes

Citing US Bureau of Labor statistics that found the average household spends $9,000 on transportation every year, Bird announced on their website that they'd be waiving the $1 base fee per ride, meaning that eligible riders will be able to ride for 15 cents per minute. This new program is called "OneBird."

We believe everyone should have access to affordable & 🌎 friendly transportation. That’s why starting today, we’re waiving the $1 base fee/ride for riders currently enrolled in or eligible for state or fed assistance programs. More info: https://t.co/T9xKCBexgG #OneBird https://t.co/lixmf87rtf

— Bird (@BirdRide) July 19, 2018

“Everyone should have access to transportation that is accessible, affordable, and environmentally-friendly," said Travis VanderZanden, founder and CEO of Bird, in the company press release. Eligible programs include, but aren't limited to, "CalFresh, Medicaid, SNAP, or a discounted utility bill." According to TechCrunch, the program is available in every market that Bird operates in. This new effort is likened to a similar program run by Lime, another scooter startup, called the "Lime Community Impact."