Good news for commuters in the capital: you can now use a Leap card to access DublinBikes.
From today onwards, cyclists only need one smart card to collect a bike at any of the scheme’s 101 stations across the city.
The caveat is that Leap card accounts can't be used to pay for trips, as the system currently operates for Dublin Bus, Dart and Luas services.
DublinBikes customer accounts will continue to be the source of payment for annual memberships, three-day tickets and individual trips.
However, Leap cards can now hold registration details for both schemes.
Adding DublinBikes customer IDs to the card should simplify journeys around the city, Anne Graham of the National Transport Authority (NTA) said.
"With the bike scheme accessible on the Leap card, people will have one less card to carry around."
But Fianna Fáil councillor Paul McAuliffe called on all transport providers to go a step further and adopt contactless payment.
"While the link between Leap and DublinBikes brings a degree of connectivity, it still relies on holders having two different accounts," he said.
"I would call on all transport providers in Dublin to adopt the contactless payment bank cards which have recently been implemented in the London Tube by Transport for London.
"The move removes the cost of single use cards and makes registration as simple as a swipe."
New and existing users can register their Leap card for the scheme at www.dublinbikes.ie.
New & Existing members of Coca-Cola Zero #dublinbikes can now access them using LEAP Card https://t.co/F1CKaf9GPE pic.twitter.com/sh9RpWVxRV
— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) September 20, 2016
The NTA has provided a list of answers to questions customers might have about the move.
Can I have a DublinBikes annual card and a Leap card associated with my account at the same time?
No. You can only have one card associated with your account at any given time, either a DublinBikes annual card or a Leap card.
What can I do to avoid ‘card clashes’?
When taking out a bike at a station terminal, card holders should hold their associated card (bike-share membership card or Leap card) up to the card reader on its own, and not in a wallet or purse containing other cards to avoid potential 'card clashes'.
Holding a purse or wallet up to the reader will likely result in a message saying that their subscription is not associated with their card and they will not be able to proceed due to interference from other cards.
If a member is receiving this message even after removing their card from a wallet of purse, then they should contact the DublinBikes call centre on 1850 777 070.
Can I pay for my DublinBikes membership card annual renewal, 3-day ticket and bike journey costs at www.leapcard.ie ?
No. You will continue to use www.dublinbikes.ie to pay for all costs relating to usage and membership.
Will I use www.leapcard.ie for any service relating to DublinBikes?
No. For convenience, Leap card just allows you to use the one card for journeys taken on covered public transport modes and the bike-share scheme.
How do I associate and use a Leap card to access DublinBikes?
You can do this by subscribing using your credit card/debit card or via direct debit.
Once your subscription has been processed and your account created, you will receive an email containing instructions on how to access DubliBbikes.
You will need to scan your Leap card at a DublinBikes station terminal and follow the steps outlined in the email to associate your Leap card.
Once associated, your Leap card will operate instead of your DublinBikes annual card, which will then become unusable.
Can DublinBikes affect the balance on my Leap Card e-purse?
DublinBikes has no access whatsoever to the e-purse on your Leap card. You cannot make payments to DublinBikes via your Leap card.
The card is used solely for identification purposes to identify the holder as the DublinBikes account holder in conjunction with your PIN.
Any queries in relation to your Leap card purse balance should be addressed to the Leap card customer care helpline, 1850 824 82.
