Since opening EBBC’s office at Fruitvale BART we have encountered a steady demand for inner tubes after hours and on weekends when the Fruitvale Bike Station is closed. Earlier this year I found that Aaron’s Bicycle Repair in Seattle has operated a vending machine loaded with tubes, tire levers, and patch kits since 2005. This is logical solution to a real need.
Imagine, if you need an emergency tire repair, just head to BART!
Now, a prototype Trek Vending Machine is being developed. Although I doubt the spiffy repair stand would survive in our station environments, it is great to see some USofA bicycle industry folks are working toward a vending machine solution. Japan must have tons of these already.
BART already operates secure ticket vending machines and has spaces for other machines in most stations. Plus we have a shop, Alameda Bicycles, already operating the three BART Bike Stations. It is conceivable to have a shop contract to service the machines.