Syracuse tackles scooter chaos with new parking solutions

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing partnership between the city and Veo, a scooter and bike-sharing service, focusing on operational challenges and community concerns. A key point of contention was the no-ride zone established by Syracuse University (SU) on its campus, which has led to confusion among users regarding where they can park and ride.

To address these issues, the city has implemented designated parking hubs around the university to streamline access for residents and visitors. This initiative aims to prevent congestion and ensure that users have clear options for parking their scooters and bikes. Veo representatives confirmed that their scooters are programmed to alert users when they enter no-ride zones, providing guidance on where they can continue their journey.

Concerns were raised about the accumulation of abandoned scooters, particularly in high-traffic areas, which has forced pedestrians to navigate around them. City officials emphasized the need for better communication with residents about how to report issues with Veo vehicles, suggesting that a one-page document outlining the reporting process could be distributed to constituents.

Financial discussions highlighted that Veo has generated approximately $350,000 in sales tax revenue, but specific profit figures were not disclosed. The company has introduced a membership model aimed at making rides more affordable, particularly for low-income users, but questions remain about the effectiveness of the pricing structure in equity zones.

The meeting also touched on the decision to adopt a dockless system rather than a traditional docked model, with officials arguing that dockless options enhance accessibility. However, this choice has led to challenges in managing parking and ensuring that scooters are not left inappropriately on private property. Veo representatives explained their retrieval process for misplaced vehicles, which includes leaving door hang tags for users to contact them.

Overall, the discussions underscored the need for ongoing collaboration between the city and Veo to improve the user experience, enhance communication with the public, and address the operational challenges posed by the scooter-sharing program.