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Decision on Christchurch e-scooters delayed

Sam Faalilo
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E-scooters in Christchurch Central  Jordan Dunn

E-scooter operators are required to renew their licenses annually, each August, but lockdown has brought challenges.

An announcement on next years' permit was expected last month, determining the fate of Lime and Flamingo scooters in Christchurch, but the nationwide level four restrictions mean it's been delayed.

This duopoly hasn't always been the case as Beam used to operate in the city, before the Council brought in a two-operator limit. 

Licenses are currently held by Uber-owned Lime, and Flamingo, which is run by two young Kiwi entrepreneurs. This could be set to change, though, with Council receiving five proposals this year.

Transport Operations Manager Steffan Thomas said that the selection processes has been completed.

Meanwhile, Lime and Flamingo continue to operate under alert level 2.

An announcement is expected this month.

 

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