The Evening Standard has an article exploring the problems faced by commuters trying to use the cycle hire scheme, but finding there are no bikes available, or nowhere to dock them at the end of their journey. As the London Liberal Democrats have discovered, in May 2012 an astonishing 381 stations were entirely empty for more than an hour each day on average, and that 83 stations were empty for six hours or more each day — rendering them futile for long periods.
It has also emerged that TfL has threatened to fine cycle hire contractor Serco if the distribution of bikes is not improved.
Responding to this news, Caroline said:
It is long overdue if TfL are finally insisting that Serco improve its record in running the bike hire scheme.
You can read more at the Evening Standard here and here.
Also read about cycle hire issues that Caroline has previously raised: