The city is moving closer to its goal of enacting a public shared-mobility system which may, but not neccesarily, resemble New York’s CitiBike. On Tuesday, Mayor Steve Noble announced that Kingston would team up with a multi-disciplinary think tank to conduct a grant-funded feasibility study on prospects for implementing a zero-emission citywide transportation platform for residents and visitors.

The idea of such a system has been on the city’s radar for years. The concept is included as a goal in a 10-year Climate Action Plan adopted in 2022. The same year, the Common Council, at Noble’s request, passed a law banning shared-mobility programs from doing business in Kingston to ensure that any eventual ride-share program be enacted through a process overseen by the city. A Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan adopted by the city last year also calls for a clean energy micro-transit system. Proponents say that such a system could be a lifeline for city residents without cars and could boost tourism by offering visitors an easy and fun way to get around town.

“Our aim is to support increased access to community resources, improve recreation offerings and connect the three business districts,” Noble said in a statement announcing the study.

The study is funded by a $100,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The grant will pay for the services of New York City-based consulting firm WXY Studios. According to the city’s statement, options on the table include a bike or scooter-share program similar to CitiBike, a “bike library,” an electric vehicle ride-share program and rebates and other incentives to promote bike and scooter ownership.

Development of the plan will include a public engagement component that kicked off this week with the posting of a public survey to solicit opinions on how and where the shared mobility system should be implemented. Questions include one designed to gauge respondents’ familiarity with bicycles, e-bikes and scooters. Other questions ask where, when and why people would be most likely to use the service. WXY Studio principal Adam Lubinsky said the goal is to create a clean mobility platform tailored to the city’s needs.

“Part of what makes this project meaningful is the chance to build something with Kingston that’s zero-emission and genuinely grounded in how people live,” said Lubinsky. “Clean mobility has to work for real routines, real streets and real needs. This study gives us the space to start with questions and shape a program that reflects the city’s priorities.”

More information on the project and a link to the survey are available at www.engagekingston.com/clean-mobility-study.