UNC Greensboro (UNCG) and the City of Greensboro have each partnered with Bird, a leader in eco-friendly electric transportation, to introduce shared e-scooters and e-bikes. This initiative aims to provide students and residents with an affordable, environmentally conscious alternative to gas-powered vehicles.
The new transportation options can be accessed through Bird’s free mobile app, offering a convenient way to navigate the campus and downtown Greensboro. Grant Harris, UNCG’s transportation and event manager, emphasizes the alignment with students’ environmental awareness and the cost-effectiveness for Pell-eligible undergraduates.
UNCG faculty, staff, and alumni can enjoy a 25% discount on Bird services, while the company’s Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, veterans, senior citizens, and select local organizations. To use the service, UNCG affiliates must register with their UNCG email address.
Safety measures include mandatory helmet use for both e-scooters and e-bikes. The vehicles will operate in designated areas within Greensboro and UNCG, with specific parking zones on campus. Users can report issues directly through the Bird app, ensuring proper maintenance and parking.
Greensboro Transportation Director Hanna Cockburn views this partnership as a step towards making Greensboro a car-optional city, aligning with the city’s commitment to safe and equitable transportation choices.
Austin Marshburn, Bird’s head of city and university partnerships, commended both UNCG and the City of Greensboro for their dedication to providing convenient and eco-friendly transportation options. This collaboration represents a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility and enhanced accessibility for the Greensboro community.
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