· Guildford Station gets first Brompton bike dock in the country
· Environmentally-friendly design uses solar panels and latest smart card technology
South West Trains has launched the UK’s first ‘self-service’ Brompton Bicycle rental scheme with the introduction of an innovative bike dock at Guildford Station today (Thursday 7th July).
The environmentally-friendly solar-powered Brompton bike dock marks the latest stage of a long-running partnership between South West Trains and folding bike manufacturer, Brompton Bicycle.
South West Trains initially joined forces with Brompton Bicycle in a bid to encourage passengers to cycle as part of a fully integrated low carbon journey combining bike and train. The company offers bikes for hire to South West Trains season ticket holders and the general public. These bikes have no travel restrictions and can be carried on all South West Trains services. However, all folding cycles must be stowed as luggage.
Now, passengers at Guildford station are the first in the country to be offered one of the 80 Brompton bikes for rent through the self-service dock scheme as part of the strategy to promote cycling as an eco-friendly last-mile feeder link to and from the station.
The Brompton dock makes maximum use of the space at Guildford station, using only one car parking space to store up to 80 bikes. The dock is a ‘self-contained’ unit entirely powered by solar-panels, manufactured in the UK and is made from 95% of recycling material. The bikes are securely enclosed behind a silver-grey façade and are displayed in lockers.
Passengers who want to cycle to or from Guildford station and use the dock should register and purchase a smartcard online http://pilot.bromptondock.co.uk/pilot.php
from only £1.60 a day. They can then use the card to open an available locker at Guildford station.
Phil Dominey, Stakeholder Manager for South West Trains said: “Brompton bikes have already proved to be a success on our network. This is the first time in the UK that Brompton bikes will be available from a self-service dock and we believe this will make it easier for people to cycle to or from Guildford station. It is another step to encourage more passengers to think of alternatives to the car."
To find out more about all our bike schemes click here