Moped sharing company to expand free services to Bronx essential workers

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People using Revel.
Photo courtesy of Revel

During the current COVID-19 crisis, essential workers need to get to and from their jobs safely. However, avoiding overcrowded public transportation and practicing social distancing often isn’t an option.

In order to help make their commutes easier, electric moped sharing company Revel announced on April 28, that it has expanded its service area into the Bronx. This will give residents a new way to travel within the south Bronx and to Upper Manhattan while keeping a safe distance from others.

The new service area covers hospital centers,  including Lincoln Medical Center, BronxCare Hospital Center (Fulton Division), and the BronxCare Health System at 1650 Grand Concourse and Highbridge, Morrisania, Melrose, Mott Haven and Hunts Point.

The bikes used by Revel. Photo courtesy of Revel

“The Bronx has always been in the cards for Revel,” said Frank Reig, co-founder and CEO of Revel. “It’s an important part of our city that’s been written off too many times.“When we saw the spread of coronavirus devastate Bronx communities, we knew we had to start offering our service there now. We’re proud to serve the Bronx’s essential workers, and hope that Revel gives them some peace of mind as a safe, socially-distant way to commute.”

Revel offers free memberships to health care workers in its active cities, a program that launched last month and has seen more than 1,500 individuals enroll. It is now available to employees of any health care provider in the Bronx, who can apply by visiting Revel’s website and uploading a photo of their employee ID card.

Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. fully supports the expansion.

The bikes used by Revel. Photo courtesy of Revel

“As we work to get Bronx communities the resources they need during this crisis, we often hear an answer that’s all too familiar: wait your turn,” Salamanca said. “Revel has answered our plea by adding the Bronx to their service area today, giving our neighborhoods a desperately-needed safe transportation option. Many of us in the Bronx are working to keep our city running, and thankfully Revel is one company that is prioritizing us as we fight for our lives.”

Revel also supports local restaurants in its markets by offering partnerships as they switch to or ramp up delivery service. Participating restaurants have access to a free month-long membership that allows employees to use Revel mopeds to make food deliveries. Restaurant owners in the new Bronx service area can contact Revel at [email protected].

Revel encourages riders to follow state and local stay at home orders and only use Revel for necessary trips. Riders are asked to follow CDC recommendations and state or district guidance for preventing illness, such as frequent hand-washing before and after using Revel. Read more about Revel’s response to COVID-19 here.