MONTREAL - Bixi bikes continue to grow more popular in Montreal, with ridership jumping by 25 per cent this season, according to figures released Friday by the bike-sharing service.
Montrealers logged an average of 50,000 kilometres a day on the bicycles in 2011.
But news from Bixi, which began operating in Montreal three years ago, hasn't been all positive.
The service also suffered major financial setbacks this year.
Last week, President Roger Plamondon announced his resignation because of financial problems with the Montreal branch.
Under Plamondon, Bixi racked up a $108-million debt in Montreal, and turned to the city for a bailout.
"The reason I quit is pretty straightforward," Plamondon told CTV Montreal on Friday. "We have a debt."
The province said it wasn't legal for the city to loan money to a commercial enterprise, and ordered Bixi to stop selling bikes internationally.
"The Quebec government has decided that we have to sell that part of our business," said Plamondon. "If I cannot sell the bikes internationally it impacts our ability to be able to refund and accelerate the refund of the loan."
One opposition member at city hall said Plamondon's departure is for the best.
"We think that Bixi needs much more professional management and a lot more transparency in the way its run," said Alex Norris of Project Montreal
Even though Bixi is flailing financially, many Montrealers believe it's worth the cost.
"I think its fantastic," said one. "I think its time that the city has done more to sort of ease environmental damage."
Plamondon officially leaves his post in the New Year.
