In light of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, Brussels sharing mobility operators are showing solidarity with health care personnel and people working in essential sectors.
If the coronavirus crisis underlines one thing, it is the importance of the transport and logistics sector, according to the operators of Scooty, Billy Bike, Swapfiets, Felyx, Dott, Urbike and Molenbike.
"In this difficult period, the Brussels entrepreneurs are showing their most creative side as well as their solidarity," said Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt in a press release. "Their efforts ensure that the city can continue to function and that the most essential services continue to be guaranteed. I would therefore like to thank them warmly for their efforts and their solidarity," she added.
Scooty is offering free rides on their electric scooters to everyone who can show they are working in the health care sector, by donating vouchers of 250 minutes, valid for three weeks, for the free use of its scooters.
Billy Bike has made its electric sharing bikes free of charge for all professions without whom the city cannot keep running. People with a medical and paramedical profession, but also the fire department, EMTs, police officers, postmen, pharmacists, supermarket staff, STIB and Bruxelles Propreté can ride free of charge for 500 minutes.
Dott is offering healthcare personnel an unlimited number of scooter rides, and a 50% discount to employees from the hospitality and catering sector.
Swapfiets also remains available. Its physical shops are closed, but bicycles can still be delivered and repaired.
Felyx is offering a cheaper daily and weekly rate for renting a vehicle for the delivery of meals by catering establishments, and the supply of medication.
Urbike is working together with a caterer to deliver ready-made meals to the homes of senior citizens, and is also responsible for the logistics part of the Brussels production line of surgical masks for hospitals.
Molenbike has developed a website with an integrated payment solution for bio supermarket Au Rayon Bio, and is delivering orders by bicycle at home in the Brussels municipality of Jette and its neighbouring municipalities.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
