Zagster is removing its bike share system in Carmel and several other communities as it deals with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is with heavy hearts that we must inform you that Zagster will no longer be providing bike share services in your community,” Zagster wrote in a letter to the City of Carmel. “This was a difficult decision but a necessary one, for which we are truly sorry.”
The Massachusetts-based company said it plans to remove bikes and stations in Carmel between May 28 and June 12. Refunds will not be available.
Zagster launched in Carmel in the spring of 2015. The program launched with bike docks near the Monon Greenway in the Carmel Arts & Design District and at City Center. Several additional docking stations were added in recent years.
Carmel paid $1,320 annually for each of the 44 bicycles and tricycles in the city for a total of $58,080 per year. Several local companies and organizations sponsored the program, including Clay Terrace, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and KAR Global.
Zagster officials did not respond to requests for comment. The program has also been shut down in several other markets, including in Georgia, Virginia and Illinois.
