Cycle Hire users get refund after 'technical glitch'

Everyone who used one of the Barclays Cycle Hire bikes in London during its launch day on Friday (July 30) will receive a full refund due to technical glitches in the system.

A minority of users had trouble docking the Cycle Hire bikes after using them, leading to excessive charges. Rather than refund just those that experienced a problem, Transport for London (TfL) has decided to refund everyone as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

TfL says that when cycles are returned to the docking stations after use they should hear a click and see a green light. No green light means that they will carry on being charged for the cycle's use as it has not been registered as returned.  

TfL estimates that around 6,000 journeys were made on Friday using the new hire cycles in the capital, with a further 4,000 journeys on Saturday. 

Around 12,000 users have signed up for the scheme and paid £3 for a membership key so far - they have access to 6,000 cycles from 400 access points across London. Charges are made dependent on length of usage: Journeys under 30 minutes are free, up to an hour is £1, two hours £6 and so on.

A full list and map of docking stations is available via the Barclays Cycle Hire website.

TfL has also prepared a video on Cycle Hire usage, you can watch it by clicking 'play' below...

Related links

Mayor Boris launches London Cycle Hire scheme