Today's News |
Bird e-Scooters Launching Throughout Canada (and in Edmonton Today)
Monday, August 19, 2019
Vancouver, BC, August 19, 2019--(T-Net)--Canadian entrepreneur John Bitove, founder of the 2019 NBA Champions the Toronto Raptors, is bringing Bird dockless e-scooters to Canada. Bird Canada will be powered by Bird's world-class tools, products, and technology to efficiently manage its fleet of shared e-scooters.
"As a platform partner to Bird, the global market leader and pioneering e-scooter sharing company, we are bringing the best micro-mobility solution possible to Canadian communities," said John Bitove, Chairman of Bird Canada. "Together with Relay Ventures and Alate Partners we have committed significant resources to ensuring a strong national launch for this important, transportation alternative for Canadians."
Bird Canada today announced that its shared e-scooters are now available for use in the City of Edmonton, effective immediately. More than 400 Bird One e-scooters are now available throughout the City, providing residents and visitors to Edmonton with a quick, easy, and low-cost way to get around.
The company plans to expand its fleet of environmentally friendly Bird e-scooters and other commuter solutions to other communities across Canada soon.
There is no word yet when e-scooters will ht the streets of Vancouver.
The company says Alberta is leading the way in addressing the effects that climate change and traffic congestion have on their communities by embracing e-scooters as a means to reduce the number of cars on the road.
"Everyone should have access to micro-mobility options that help make cities more livable. Bird Canada makes this vision a reality for Canadians by delivering a sustainable and affordable transportation alternative and advances our shared climate and traffic reduction goals," said Travis VanderZanden, founder and CEO of Bird. "The Bird Canada team's deep local knowledge and operating experience coupled with Bird's expertise in service, operations, safety, and technology are an ideal combination to address the transportation needs of all Canadians."
A new Canadian-owned company, Bird Canada, has committed capital from Obelysk (Bitove's private investment company), Relay Ventures, and Alate Partners (a real estate technology initiative of Dream and Relay Ventures).
In addition to founding the Toronto Raptors, Bitove brought satellite radio provider SiriusXM to Canada, and founded national wireless provider Mobilicity. Stewart Lyons, a SiriusXM Canada and Mobilicity co-founder has joined Bird Canada as CEO.
"Bird Canada is committed to providing alternative transportation options that are desirable for consumers and that reduce traffic congestion. Alberta is leading the way in Canada by offering residents and commuters an innovative, fun, and affordable way to travel between transit centers, their workplace, and other destinations within cities," said Bird Canada CEO, Stewart Lyons.
About Bird Canada
Powered by Bird Rides, Bird Canada Inc. operates an electric vehicle sharing program. Bird Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated company that offers Canadians, and visitors to Canada, a new way to avoid congestion and get around that is affordable and uses the latest and most innovative last-mile mobility solutions for urban areas. For additional information, visit Bird online.