Bixi users log 5,361 trips in Ottawa-Gatineau test

Thousands of trips were taken using the Bixi automated bike rental system in Ottawa-Gatineau during a three-month trial that ended this week.

In total, more than 3,000 people used the bikes for 5,361 trips among four test stations between June 8 and the end of the pilot project on Tuesday, the National Capital Commission announced in a news release Friday.

"We are eagerly anticipating the findings of the feasibility study which will allow us to evaluate whether a broader service can be offered in the region on a permanent basis," said Marie Lemay, CEO of the commission, in a statement.

The commission, which manages federal lands and buildings in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, partnered with the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau for the trial run.

The results are expected in a few weeks.

The bikes and stations were provided by the Montreal firm Socit Vlo libre-service, which runs a full-scale bike sharing system in Montreal.

Users can unlock bikes from any given station and ride them to any other given station for a fee based on their usage or a subscription plan.