Wildly successful? I tried to clarify by adding “utilization.” To further clarify… percentage of time the bikes are being ridden, as opposed to sitting in the racks.

If the ValleyRide buses were running on time and jam-packed and getting citizens where they need to go and when they need to be there, I’d describe it as successful, even though it would still be operating “in the red.”

If they were truly successful, every town over x population would have one.

Keep in mind Denver was the first one done (2010) in this model– So it’s like saying you have a “successful” 3 year toddler.

We can also add the first Washington DC attempt at bikeshare as a failure.

Is our bus system successful?
It runs on schedule!
It must be a success!

My ONLY objections to this experiment (and it is indeed an experiment):
1) The government subsidy it will take to get it off the ground, and for ongoing operation. The proponents should line up some benevolent and deep-pockets sponsors (like NYC got CitiBank and Mastercard). Their bike share (CitiBike) is one of the world’s biggest… taxpayer outlay is $0.
2) The very limited geographic scope. I’m with you – why will it only serve the core of town?

[A side note: I’m starting to really regret that David B. Hall isn’t our mayor! Shame on us for not electing him! nudge-nudge, wink-wink]

I wonder if the bikes come with “lojack” features when the street people once again make off with these bikes.