Bird ridership soars during NFL Draft amid exclusive e-scooter partnership with KCMO
May 8, 2023 | Startland News Staff
Daily rides in Kansas City increased by 724 percent during April’s NFL Draft weekend, Bird reported, following the three-day series of events that brought more than 300,000 fans to festival grounds at Union Station.
“We’re thrilled to have partnered with Kansas City and the NFL to support the 2023 NFL Draft by providing efficient, affordable, and sustainable transportation to attendees,” said Shane Torchiana, CEO, Bird. “Our expanded scope as Kansas City’s only approved scooter partner showcases the trust established through our continued operations, understanding of local transportation needs, and our commitment to providing environmentally friendly transportation.”
Bird scooters await riders in the Crossroads during the NFL Draft; photo by Austin Barnes, Startland News
Bird recently expanded its fleet to 1,400 scooters in the city and its surrounding metro area ahead of the draft, which ran April 27-29. In addition to making e-scooters available to attendees, Bird also strategically located new parking spots around the city to expedite local travel during the event, Torchiana said.
Peak ridership took place the first evening just prior to the Thursday event, with more than 800 rides taking place in a single hour, a 1,500 percent increase versus the same hour in the prior week.
More than 5,000 riders took rides with Bird, an average of over two rides per person during the week. The majority of rides occurred between the location of the draft in Union Station to the south and the Power and Light entertainment district to the north, indicating commute activity between the two key locations.
In addition to its role at this year’s Draft, Bird has also commenced operations in several new cities including Hamilton, Ontario in the greater Toronto area; Perth, Australia; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Montgomery, Alabama, confirming the impact Bird has in providing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation in cities across the globe.
RELATED: Small biz owners shocked by low NFL Draft sales, now wary of World Cup
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Founder earns Pipeline’s ‘best pitch,’ says network’s lifelong support is the real award
Pipeline judges announced Megan O’Rear had the best pitch Thursday, but the Celerity Enterprises founder was left momentarily speechless when they named her winner of the group’s annual showcase and competition. “It just validates coming back to Kansas City,” said O’Rear, who also serves as the startup’s CEO. “Pipeline wants to help everybody that they…
KC Chamber’s Superstars celebration empowers everyday small business heroes
Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. The Blueprint KC has come a long way, said Sheraz Pompey, emphasizing the meaningful impact of being showcased as one of the KC Chamber’s Small Business Superstars.…
Davids’ effort to level the playing field for Native entrepreneurs passes US House, moving to Senate
Legislation meant to address entrepreneurship challenges specific to Native and tribal business owners advanced in the U.S. Congress this week, with a Kansas City lawmaker championing the effort to bring equity to an overlooked corner of the small business community. “In Indian Country, Native-owned businesses employ over 300,000 Americans and are vital drivers of our…
KC Tech Council launches initiative for young women in tech, backed by Meta, Panasonic
A new strategic program from the KC Tech Council is designed to empower and equip female-identifying students entering their junior (class of 2026) and senior (class of 2025) years of high school with tech exposure, career guidance, leadership opportunities, and invaluable mentorship. The LEGiT KC program (Leadership and Empowerment for Girls in Tech), sponsored by…