Londoners have been left unable to hire Santander Cycles today after an issue with the software update.
Thousands of commuters were left high and dry when trying to ride a Santander bike in London this morning.
Frustrated commuters said the docks and fobs are not working, and the app and website are not available to sign in.
The issue is due to an overrunning software upgrade, TfL confirmed.
Engineers are working to get the service back, but there was no confirmation when that will be.
One rider took to social media to warn others this morning: ‘Just been to a dock and fobs aren’t working on manual or pedal bikes. App not loading and website doesn’t allow you to sign in. Tried app and website again just now (7:15am) and both are still not working.’
A TfL spokesperson told Metro: ‘We’re very sorry for the disruption caused to Santander Cycles this morning. This is due to planned software upgrades overrunning and we’re working hard to restore services as soon as possible.’
Metro understands that customers with a key can still hire bikes.
After complaints online from people saying why they were not told about the issue sooner, Transport for London sent an email to registered bike customers at midday.
The email said: ‘Due to planned software upgrades overrunning, Santander Cycles are currently unavailable to hire.
‘We’re sorry for the disruption caused. We’re working hard to restore services as soon as possible and will let you know when our cycles are available for hire again.
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‘Thank you for your patience.’
London is dotted with more than 12,000 Santander bikes, both traditional pedal and newer electric bikes across 800 docking stations.
A day pass with a traditional bike costs £3.50.
Santander bikes and the docking stations have become a part and parcel of London life since they launched in 2010.
First known as Barclays Cycle Hire, the fleet consisted of 5,000 and 315 docking stations to begin with.
They soon coined the nickname Boris Bikes after former Mayor of London Boris Johnson, although the idea for the hire scheme came from his predecessor, Ken Livingstone.
It is not just Londoners who have fallen for the hire bikes – former California governor, bodybuilder and Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger went for a ride during his trip to London in 2011.
The scheme’s hire bike monopoly was challenged when e-bikes like Lime and Forest launched trial schemes across London in 2018.
Today’s software upgrade issue comes after TfL announced free Santander Cycle rides every Sunday in August.
Londoners can get free 60-minute rides every Sunday this month to encourage people to give the bikes a go.
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