Algorithm
Hello,
It feels like the citi bike angels algorithm typically assigns valuations based on historical performance.
For example, there is typically a portion of Bed/Stuy and Bushwick that is need of bikes and has -1 and -2 point valuations (needs dropoffs). Likewise most of Williamsburg and Greenpoint is typically a range of 0 to +3 (needs pickups).
Meanwhile, there are typically a few stations spruced throughout Williamsburg and Greenpoint with less than 10-20% of bikes available.
These stations are rarely if ever incentivized with a +1 or +2 (needs drop offs) even though they are in desperate need of drop offs.
What are the steps being taken to incentivize people to make common sense drop offs that would
- Redistribute bikes to less crowded stations
- Reward users to make common sense detours from their typical routes and lead to spread bikes more evenly
Also, what steps are being taken to increase the 2x multiplier time length? What is the benefit of providing people 24 hours to take positive rides?
What about Citi Bike Angels who use the program more casually a handful of times a week for example?
What is the point of disincentivizing Citi Bike riders in taking positive rides by including a rapidly expiring multiplier? For me, and many of my friends the 2x multiplier amounts to a pop-up ad than a helpful piece of information that guides my behavior.
The direction to not take Negative rides serves a similar purpose and is much more effective.
I understand that Lyft may want to incentivize Bike Angels to participate in the program more frequently but it seems burdensome and unrealistic with the way the vast majority of people use the program.
I believe the Citi Bike program would be greatly improved by adjusting the timelines. See my reccomendation below:
- 2x Citi Angels timing: 72 hours to take 1 positive ride to maintain the 2x bonus, to take 3 positive rides to reach 3x positive rides
- 3x Citi Angels timing: 1 week to take 3 positive rides
Best,
Pizzafan457
Heya Pizzafan457!
Regarding on how points are assigned, we do look at historical pattern usage and expected flow of bikes! Based on those patterns if we expect to see, let's say hypothetically 10 bikes to come in to a station but 6 being rented out, all within the same hour, that usually means a rider will still get a bike, even if the overall station is low.
Keep in mind that we're just waking up from a winter slumber where rides naturally go down because people don't want to bike in the cold.
On your feedback ideas for streaks, our internal teams have played around with this idea but surprisingly found little benefit for it.
Ideally the goal of the streaks in general is to encourage some bikes within the same day, we'll keep the feedback of extending 2x and 3x streaks to longer lengths if things do change though!
