Canada

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/39851400

Mississauga city councillors are questioning the future of the program, citing safety risks, enforcement struggles and the rising cost of managing the devices.

This year, the program recorded 120,112 trips covering 336,313 kilometres — a seven per cent increase from 2024.

Mahoney criticized using taxpayer dollars to support a private program and noted that police lack the capacity to enforce rules on private devices.

Across 100 citywide parking stations — including corral-style, bike rack-style and painted areas — staff observed an 8.3 per cent non-compliance rate. Dasko asked how compliance was measured, noting multiple instances of e-scooters parked in unauthorized locations.

While Coun. Dipika Damerla said she supports the program, she called for stronger agreements with vendors, suggesting fines if shared devices are not collected within 24 hours when parked outside designated areas.

Municipal enforcement staff cannot issue violations for moving vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, according to city staff.

Staff said they estimate it will cost $150,000 to expand bike parking stations across the city, using money already approved in the bicycle parking program. Locations, staff said, would be chosen based on ridership volume.

Staff also noted that the investment could support a citywide expansion in 2026, but speeding up the rollout to all parts of Mississauga would require more municipal funding.

Coun. John Kovac urged caution in spending on the program, citing concerns that it could be cancelled in the future, similar to the automated speed enforcement cameras, which were also part of a provincial program.

While the provincial pilot program makes e-scooter use legal, Mississauga’s program is intended to be permanent, with an initial vendor contract of three years and the possibility of extending for two more.