Bird, Dott and Lime fined 2.7 million for free micromobility passes in Rome
The AGCM has fined Bird, Dott and Lime a total of 2.675 million euros for making it difficult for annual Metrebus subscribers in Rome to obtain and use the passes for free scooter and e-bike rides provided as part of the sharing service
The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has imposed fines totalling 2.675 million euros on Bird, Dott and Lime, the three operators authorised to run the electric scooters and e-bike-sharing services in Rome, for having hindered the use of free ride packages intended for Metrebus annual season ticket holders on the local public transport network.
According to the Authority, the three companies had adopted inadequate procedures and organisational structures for handling user requests, making the activation of the so-called Passes particularly complex and prolonging the time taken to obtain them. This is said to have reduced the period actually available to make use of the free journeys provided for in the commitments undertaken by the operators at the time of being awarded the micro-mobility service contract for the three-year period 2023–2026.
The AGCM has also accused Bird of a further unfair commercial practice, relating to the arbitrary deactivation of certain users’ accounts without providing adequate prior notice and without allowing them the opportunity to be heard.
In the Authority’s view, the conduct found to have taken place has had a negative impact on consumers by restricting access to a transport service that complements public transport and contributes to more sustainable urban mobility through the use of low-emission vehicles.
