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When I joined Washington Sports Club I had membership options.
$X/month to go to my location,
$X+/month to go to all the DC area locations, and
$X++/month to go to all the Sports Club locations in the Northeast.

I joined CaBi in December and I have a regular commute from GA/NH to 14th/NY which takes be 20 minutes downhill and 25 minutes uphill. After a few rides I thought it would really suck if that uphill took me 31 minutes because I would get nailed with the $1.50 each time. I think the same is case for people who live further away.

A logical extension is variable Annual Memberships.

If I want 30 minute initial rides I pay $X/year.
If I want 45 minute initial rides I pay $X+/year.

If I want to pull a bike from a typically empty station during the rush or dock a bike at a typically full station during the rush, I pay $X++

With the base membership, you might not be able to pull a bike or dock a bike at every station during the rush unless you upgrade (which you could do anytime online). This pricing would not be a disincentive, would be predictable, and would not have any surprise charges. This pricing method would help capture the extra expense the commuters put on the system causing cyclical imbalance. The extra revenue would help pay for re-distribution.

This variable membership would not have to impact tourists at all, their daily rental would be the same with access to all docks. Their per-ride payment is higher than annual members anyway and would avoid any confusion for them.

BTW, I used CaBi all through January and February and loved it. I have since bought a bike and use CaBi to supplement, so I think I am a success story. I would gladly pay for the elevated membership to have the convenience when I need it.

by Clayton on Jun 13, 2011 4:39 pm • link • report