In recognition of National Bike Month, and after a period of adjustments, the Autoridad de Transporte Integrado (ATI) has eliminated the BiciTren permit requirement as part of a new micromobility program in urban transit.
This will allow system passengers to bring, without requesting a special permit, their light vehicles (bicycles, scooters and those that do not use combustion and do not exceed 18 miles per hour) when using the Tren Urbano, buses and ferries.
The announcement was made by Department of Transportation and Public Works Secretary engineer Eileen M. Vélez Vega and ATI Executive Director Josué Menéndez Agosto.
"The system is not only about buses, ferries and the Tren Urbano. Now we are also talking about micromobility, because it increases the catchment area of public transit and allows people to reach more places in the zones we serve. That is our service and our commitment to residents and the tourists who visit us.
To that end, we are constantly seeking funding that will allow us to improve the infrastructure needed to begin talking about Complete Streets. In the meantime, we remain focused on the capital improvement projects we have already started," the DTOP secretary said.
For his part, Menéndez Agosto said: "We will no longer talk about the BiciTren requirement. That was a restriction and a limitation on ridership. The public policy of our governor Pedro R. Pierluisi is one of openness to improve urban mobility, offer greater accessibility and equity, promote health and well-being, respect the environment and encourage the development of public spaces. We only ask cyclists and passengers carrying these light vehicles to follow the rules of civility and common sense for the responsible use of our transit systems."
With this measure, the official noted, more people will be able to use the service, especially because it remains free for all residents and because work on the installation and improvement of the new ticketing and entry system at the 16 Tren Urbano stations is progressing.
"In recent years, about 400 BiciTren passes were issued per year, and now, with this new effort, that number could double," the ATI executive director said.
Some of the rules of the new measure include, but are not limited to, the following:
Light micromobility vehicles will be allowed as long as space is available in the designated areas of the rail cars.
Every bicycle user must use the turnstiles (access points) designated for people with disabilities.
People with bicycles will use the elevators. In the event of an elevator failure or if one is out of service, the person will be allowed to carry the bicycle on fixed stairs, but not on escalators.
It is recommended that bicycles be placed in the designated spaces near the doors at the ends of the rail cars.
Individuals will assume full responsibility for any damage, claim, demand, adjudicative proceeding or similar matters that may arise.
They must refrain from riding them inside Tren Urbano stations.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
