Melbourne Bike Share (MBS)

Melbourne Bike Share (MBS) is a white elephant. It has struggled to attract riders in even modest numbers since it was set up with 600 bikes (Bixis) by the Brumby government nearly five years ago.

The current five year $5.5 million contract is due to expire in June this year; given its poor performance, the real cost to taxpayers is undoubtedly considerably more.

MBS is a case study in poor policy-making. The decision to set it up followed a familiar pattern; it was motivated primarily by political symbolism rather than by a sincere interest in achieving real outcomes.