Rochester’s midsummer adoption of the bike-sharing service Zagster now allows students to rent a bike from two stations on campus for as little as $1.
Zagster, which came to the city on July 20, has stations in Meliora Plaza on the River Campus and on Crittenden Boulevard in the Whipple Circle Lot. There are no stops at the Eastman School of Music, but there are three stations within walking distance students there can use. There are also Zagster stops in College Town and near Brooks Crossing.
“The City actually contacted us and asked if we would be interested in sponsoring a station,” University Transportation Manager Andrea Walton said. “We don’t always become a part of a City program, but it was beneficial to our staff and our students.”
Walton also noted that Zagster has said the service has received much use in the months since it arrived at UR.
Many students asked have not used Zagster, though they have a favorable view of the service.
“I lived in Southside last semester,” sophomore Matthew Shems said. “I can see it being useful in getting to and from campus, especially because keeping a bike there was really difficult.”
Students who have their own bikes on campus are also supportive of the service.
“I have my own bike, so I’m not going to use it,” senior Emily Grey said. “But if I didn’t have my bike, I’d definitely be using it to get to get around to College Town and stuff.”
Ticket and Transportation Coordinator Samuel Lovejoy is excited about the possibilities Zagster brings to the UR community.
“I’m very happy that there’s alternative options, not just here, but throughout the city,” Lovejoy said. “I think it’s a really great initiative. I’m always in support of alternative transportation.”
To rent a bike, students must download the Zagster app and choose a bike from any nearby Zagster station. Bikes can be returned to any Zagster station or public bike rack after use, although there is a $1 charge for bikes returned to public bike racks.
