Ten years ago, the first V’Lille stations sprang up to offer some of the inhabitants of the European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) self-service bicycles at a relatively low cost. A decade later, the network has grown considerably in the face of its success.
When it was launched in September 2011, the V’Lille service had around 100 stations. According to the MEL, there are now 223 and 2,200 bicycles, spread over 14 of the 95 municipalities of the metropolis. Very quickly, the people of Lille adopted the system which has seen a 20% growth in attendance in 10 years. The only real flop of the adventure, it was the attempt of long-term rental. Also launched in 2011, this service was discontinued in April 2018 when it only had 730 users.
More stations in the busiest places
For the anniversary of V’Lille, the metropolis is announcing the creation of 38 new stations at the end of this year. However, their location was not specified, the MEL nevertheless explaining that the locations will be determined in particular according to the “density of the urban environment” or the “proximity to places attracting a lot of public”. There will also be a set of musical chairs to redeploy terminals from less frequented stations to others more in demand.
In line with the deliberation voted by the Metropolitan Council establishing free public transport for minors, the president of the MEL, Damien Castelain, announced that this would also be the case for the V’Lille. From next January, young people aged 14 to 18 will be able to use this service free of charge, subject to depositing a deposit of 200 euros and purchasing a “time credit” of 5 euros.