Citibike/Lyft again makes a change to the program with no notification!

YES!  Likely because there needed to be a greater incentive in NYC and the expense of moving the bikes with employees was far too expensive.  But the fact of the matter is that gift cards are great for those who do not need the income and simply earn points as a fringe benefit of being a member but those people are not really contributing enough to make a difference for commuters.  They are likely not the ones who are rebalancing the system late at night (as a means of making ends meet with additional income).  Also, I am just realizing how ridiculous Lyft's decision to de-incentivize bike angels at this time...given the fact that they just implemented congestion pricing in midtown Manhattan, which means their costs to move bikes with employees and vans is going to increase dramatically.  I cannot imagine why they would reduce the compensation at a time when inflation is sky high and wages have increased in general.  Perhaps they decided to eliminate the cash payments to discourage the immigrants who were participating or something like that but clearly they do not comprehend that the majority of the work is being done by public servants, retirees, and/or those who are expecting to encounter additional expenses due to the political decisions currently being presented.