Salzburg transport association defends S-Bike parking system

The Salzburg transport association has rejected criticism that many new S-Bikes are not being parked in designated spaces, ORF reports. It says the vast majority of the electric bikes are returned correctly and that overall use of the system is strong.

Each electric bike is rented an average of four times a day, said Paul Kaufmann, a spokesperson for the Salzburg transport association. “We are still in the rollout phase. Overall, the results are very encouraging. More than 99 percent of all journeys end at one of the regular return stations,” he said.

New 30-euro penalty

Since last week, a 30-euro penalty has automatically been charged through the booking system when users park the e-bikes incorrectly. The transport association also plans to add more stations for the new fleet.

Problems during launch

The system faced criticism and ridicule after an initial problem at its launch. As reported by the Kronen Zeitung, the ground marking showing where the bikes had to be left after use was painted directly in front of the entrance to the courthouse at Kajetanerplatz.