The MTA on Thursday announced secure bike storage has arrived at Grand Central Terminal through a pilot program between MTA Metro-North Railroad and Oone, a Brooklyn-based startup.
The six-space bike parking pod is located at Grand Central’s former taxiway space at 43rd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue.
In order to access the futuristic-looking storage unit, bikers will be required to book a reservation through Oonee, which will then allow users to unlock a private space inside the pod using a keycard or smartphone.
According to the MTA, reservations are offered on a first come, first served basis, and registering is free to the public, via Oonee’s website.
“This is the time to think seriously about using micro-mobility to expand the reach of the MTA network,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said Thursday. “One way to bring riders back to the system is to make customers’ overall trips easier. Cycling exploded during the pandemic, and this pilot is a step towards improving bike access.”
Complete with an air pump, hydraulic sliding doors, automated closing doors, Oonee’s “Mini” pod provides access to the terminal’s west balcony and main concourse.