LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)- Lime and Bird, the two companies that provide scooter services in Lafayette, have agreed with Mayor-President Joel Robideaux’s request for a “voluntary pause in operations.”
The suspension is meant to offer time for improved state legislation on alternative transportation, Robideaux’s office said today.
“In an effort to expand transportation alternatives for Lafayette’s citizens, Robideaux will work with the legislative delegation, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the scooter companies to revise current law,” LCG statement said today.” Any proposed revisions are intended to modernize the laws specific to these shared mobility devices.”
Almost overnight a few months ago, scooters were scattered throughout the city, which some say offer convenient transportation while others say is a nuisance.
According to Robideaux’s office, both companies are “collaborating” with officials to “create a local framework in which safety, permitting, logistics, rules of operation and other regulations are put into place.”
The suspension is temporary, LCG reiterated, and will last as long as needed until there is state law revision and passage of a local ordinance.
Robideaux reportedly contacted Lime and Bird by phone on Friday to request the voluntary pause.
He said both companies complied and were open to law revision.
“Bird is very proud to be part of the Lafayette community, and we want to thank our riders and chargers for embracing our environmentally friendly option,” said Sam Reed, Government Partnerships at Bird. “We are so grateful for the support we have received and the relationships we have built thus far. Throughout this time, Bird has been working closely with Mayor Robideaux and other Lafayette city officials to determine an appropriate next step for our service. We have decided to remove our vehicles and temporarily pause our service until a consensus can be reached with the city. We remain committed to serving Lafayette, and will therefore continue working in close collaboration with city officials while we implement this pause. Bird hopes to return to the City of Lafayette in the near future.”
