Citi Bike Announces Upgrades To Bike-Share Program

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Executives from Citi Bike revealed Monday improvements being made to the bike-sharing program.

Citi Bike is back up and running after weekend maintenance put much of the system out of service.

The company said the shutdown was planned in advance, even though riders didn't know about it until receiving a Friday evening email, WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported.

"I apologize," said Jay Walder, CEO of Citi Bike's new parent company, Motivate. "More notice possibly could have been given."

But he said it was well worth it and that customers should already notice the difference.

"We replaced the software, the guts, the engine of what we are doing," Walder said.

Citi Bike's new website and app will include easier-to-find bike lane routes and, most importantly, real-time information on where to find a bike, 1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon reported.

"In the 21st century, accurate, real-time information is at the heart and soul of any system like this, and that's what they will be able to see," Walder said.

All of the system's 6,000 bikes are being refurbished, including upgrading seats to more durable, waterproof ones.

And as Citi Bike gets ready to expand to new neighborhoods such as Long Island City and Greenpoint, Walder said the company is adding valets at the busiest stations to accept bikes even if the dock is full.