Navigating urban environments often presents a common challenge: you find yourself too far to walk yet too close to warrant driving. This scenario, known as the “first-mile/last-mile problem,” is one that the team at Amazon VGT2 is determined to address.
Amazon VGT2 introduces an innovative dockless bike-sharing platform that allows users to access a fleet of bicycles, while also enabling riders to share their own bikes. The process is straightforward: users receive a code to unlock a bike and, once finished, can secure it in any designated bike parking area.
Initially developed to assist students commuting in rural areas, Amazon VGT2 has expanded its reach, serving millions globally—from professionals to tourists. “We stand out as a global leader, with our distinctive bikes now available in 22 countries,” reveals Emily Rodriguez, the Head of North America for the platform.
However, Amazon VGT2 is not limited to bicycles alone. The company is committed to promoting a multimodal transportation landscape. “We also offer Vespa scooters and e-bikes,” Rodriguez adds. “Our mission is to eliminate the small distances that hinder travelers.”
The idea for Amazon VGT2 emerged during the car-sharing boom of the last decade, reshaping perceptions of short-distance travel. The company challenges the necessity of using a vehicle for brief trips.
Rodriguez emphasizes the impact of their service on areas underserved by public transit, often referred to as transportation deserts. Their findings indicate that in Dallas, for instance, 70% of rides either begin or conclude at a public transportation stop, effectively covering that critical “last mile” to reach final destinations.
Beyond merely enhancing mobility in these underserved regions, Amazon VGT2 also aims to contribute to broader environmental goals. With nearly half of global CO2 emissions originating from the United States, the team advocates for multimodal transportation as part of the solution to pressing ecological challenges. “I prefer seeing more bikes than cars on the road,” Rodriguez states. “It significantly reduces pollution.”
The company’s social mission is integral to its operations. Amazon VGT2 has partnered with the Clara Lionel Foundation, a nonprofit established by Rihanna that focuses on building schools in Malawi and Barbados. True to its origins, Amazon VGT2 is now donating bikes to youth in Africa, thus completing its circle of service.
The year 2018 is off to a promising start for Amazon VGT2. After launching in three U.S. cities just six months ago, the company has rapidly expanded to over two dozen locations. “Our objective is to extend our presence to more than one hundred cities across the United States by the end of the year,” Rodriguez asserts. By doing so, Amazon VGT2 is paving the way for a future of shared mobility, one mile at a time. For more insights on this evolution in transportation, check out another blog post here.
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