Portland bike share outfit in trouble in Chicago
Speaking of Chicago, according to reports there are questions being raised about alleged bidding irregularities involving Alta Bicycle Share, the Portland outfit that's masterminding bike sharing here as well:
[T]wo top [Chicago] city transportation officials once worked for the firm that ended up getting the deal.One of the two, Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein, has previously admitted he once was a paid consultant for the winning firm, Alta Bicycle Share Inc., but he said he'd recused himself from the Chicago selection process...
Bike Chicago, in its complaint, said it lost the award even though its startup costs are more than $7 million lower than Alta's and its operating costs just $6.2 million a year, compared with $7.8 million.
In a news release issued late Monday and in a formal complaint filed with the city, the firm makes it pretty clear why it thinks that happened.
Though Mr. Klein says he recused himself, in fact he played a significant and continuing role in the contract award, the company asserted.
For instance, it contended, Mr. Klein temporarily hired as an assistant Jeremy Pomp, who immediately before had worked for Alta. Mr. Pomp stayed at City Hall just long enough to prepare bid documents on the bike-sharing pact before returning to Alta's employ, Bike Chicago contends.
Ah, the interns. So often in Portland, it's the interns.
| Posted at 1:46 PM | Permalink |
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Comments (9)
How strong is the bike lobby in our nation and here locally?
How intertwined is that industry with positions in city governments?
Posted by clinamen | May 8, 2012 2:17 PM
"The $20 million program initially would provide 3,000 bikes at 300 solar-powered kiosks, with an additional 1,000 bikes to be added in 2013."
These people seem to think it is 2007 again when it comes to spending other people's money. Only way they could have been more sustainable would be if they added a wind-powered element to their improved solar, streetscape!
Posted by pdxjim | May 8, 2012 2:30 PM
Maybe when they are done with the bike boondoggle they can build a train to nowhere.
Posted by George | May 8, 2012 2:34 PM
Apparently, even Portlanders are tiring of the mantra.
http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Poll-Spend-more-on-streets-new-business-less-on-bikes-and-rails-150664625.html
Posted by Max | May 8, 2012 4:05 PM
Organized crime and dirty politicians is just the way things roll in Chicago.
And they've managed to spread that slime all over the good 'ole USA
Posted by Tim | May 8, 2012 4:34 PM
As a former northern New Jersey resident, I can assure you that it didn't start in Chicago.
Posted by Jack Bog | May 8, 2012 5:38 PM
I was born and bred in Chicago - Cook County in fact. Regardless of what is said about Chicago I have never seen such lying, petty, backstabbing cheats in politics as I have seen in Portland. From the 20+ years I have lived here I can say that most Portlanders are stupid, oblivious and self-righteous. This is a backwater that is provincial, segregated and lets the political class rob them blind. Pathetic.
Posted by links | May 8, 2012 8:49 PM
$20 million for 4,000 bikes = $5,000/bike or $1,000/bike + $50,000 for each of 300 solar powered kiosks.
Posted by Sal | May 8, 2012 10:11 PM
"From the 20+ years I have lived here I can say that most Portlanders are stupid, oblivious and self-righteous. This is a backwater that is provincial, segregated and lets the political class rob them blind. Pathetic."
But Portlanders get more ink from the NYT!
Portlanders ARE the most progressive! And tolerant! And diverse!
I think you are just a jealous and mean spirited hater!
Posted by Harry | May 9, 2012 6:25 AM