London adopts the BIXI system for its bicycle hire scheme

On February 1, 2010, Public Bike System Company ("PBSC"), operator of the BIXI public bike system in Montréal, signed a contract with Serco Limited ("Serco") whereby it will provide its system to be operated by Serco for Transport for London. Montreal's BIXI system will be adapted to the specific needs of London. Under the five year contract, which may be extended for up to two additional years, PBSC will provide, and Serco will operate and maintain, bicycles for hire in London and docking stations. The scheme is expected to commence operating later this year. PBSC was advised in this transaction by teams from the Montreal and London offices of Fasken Martineau that included, among others, in Montréal: Denis Paquin, Alexandre Abecassis, Marc Beauchemin, Jean-Nicolas Delage, Félix Gutierrez, Charles Lupien, Jean-Philippe Mikus, Jean-François Perreault and Francis Trifero, and in London: Roger Loosley, Antonina Cuffaro, Francesca Boateng-Muhammad, Cerys Williams, Fiona Wheatley, Rakesh Jhally and Paul Yerbury.