For more than a decade, BIXI bikes have been taking Montreal’s streets by storm like a wheel that turns from April to November. Once again this year, the Tour la nuit and Tour de l’Île weekend, back after a year away, was another demonstration of Montrealers’ attachment to our iconic two-wheelers.
Very often we have heard public figures speak about their experience with this green mode of transport that adds to the charm of the metropolis. Our social networks are a showcase for testimonials from users who have fallen in love with bike sharing. The affection you have for BIXI therefore needs no demonstration. However, we have rarely heard from the discreet craftsmen and craftswomen behind this great story. The loyalty of BIXI’s employees to this non-profit organization is simply a gift we want to share with you. In 2019, BIXI launched a project to build a fleet of electric bikes. Since then, the project has evolved greatly thanks to all the employees and particularly those dedicated to this part of the company.
In this article, we therefore give a platform to these people. Whether those who have spent 1, 5 or more than 10 years at BIXI, without their dedication this wheel would not turn so smoothly and this great adventure would never have been possible.
Nicolas Miron, driver (e-bike battery changes)
" I started with the team last April; I’ve loved my experience from the beginning. I take care of changing the batteries of the e-bikes at the stations and therefore often find myself traveling through Montreal neighborhoods, but also Laval and Longueuil. Among other things, I happily answer customers’ questions and needs and also make sure the stations are clean and functional. I report it to my colleagues if that’s not the case. After working in the restaurant industry for more than 7 years, I needed new challenges. Being a cycling enthusiast, I had the idea of finding a company that moves toward a greener, more eco-responsible world. I love the idea of taking a bike to get around, go to a park, the metro, or do my shopping.
One of the advantages of working on the road is being able to take my breaks in a different place each day. On a beautiful summer day, I was sitting in the grass eating my sandwich and enjoying the nice weather. It was then that a duck and her ducklings passed by as if I weren’t there. It was beautiful to see and pleasant to continue my day after that relaxing moment.".
Patel Chintanbhai, technical support team lead (more than 10 years at BIXI Montreal)
" I have been working for BIXI Montreal for more than 11 years now. I am Technical Support Team Lead. My job is to repair the stations and their components. I repair the station screens, the AT power board, the IC board, the printer, the credit card reader, the contactless credit card reader, the cassette, the solar panel, the battery cable, other cables used in the station and many other tasks, to assist other departments. I like this job."
Carole Reid, HR and payroll technician
" I have been working at BIXI Montreal for 4 years. I am a payroll specialist. Behind the beautiful blue bikes, there are several departments that work hand in hand to move things forward. The atmosphere is electric and energizing. Team spirit is very present. During busy summer days, we are always ready to put our shoulder to the wheel. Even if it means jumping into one of our vehicles to travel the stations and make sure our customers will find a bike 100% charged."
Mourad Kheddam, warehouse clerk
" This is my first year and it’s a very pleasant experience. As a warehouse clerk, I rotate the e-bike batteries to recharge them. I make sure stock is always available. Bike sharing is a trendy topic and BIXI is a company that offers many opportunities for employee development.
The atmosphere is truly respectful, healthy and productive. There is a strong bond between employees, which stimulates teamwork."
Romain Norguet, road operations coordinator — electric-assist bike fleet.
" I have been working at BIXI Montreal since 2017. This is my 5thseason! I am operations coordinator, responsible for the e-bike project. I also previously worked in technical service and dispatch. I am actively involved in implementing operational tools and I ensure the optimization of the teams on the road in order to provide the best customer experience to our users. I have always had a strong interest in sustainable development. With a degree in engineering and maintenance of automated systems, I also took courses in sizing photovoltaic installations. I was looking for a job in line with my initial training, but more precisely with my values. BIXI Montreal allowed me to reconcile the two! BIXI Montreal encourages personal development. I was thus able to start a management program at HEC Montreal. This opportunity helps me grow within the company.
I remember that at the launch of the first e-bikes, users used them all day long. The scarcity of our e-bikes did not allow us to meet the demand’s success. One afternoon, we saw a member so happy to have an e-bike that he took it with him on the river shuttle! He wanted to be sure not to lose his turn.
The atmosphere at BIXI Montreal mirrors the system. You quickly hop on board the team and we all move forward together. Everyone acts with a lot of professionalism, and there is always room to speak up and improve things."
Keyla Vasquez-Reynel, driver (e-bike battery changes)
" Following layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic in my sector, I wanted to try a completely different job. The atmosphere at BIXI Montreal is really dynamic and the customers are very kind."
Do you also want to build a career at BIXI and join Patel, Nicolas, Mourad, Carole, Romain and many other extraordinary colleagues? Watch our career opportunities at https://www.bixi.com/fr/carrieres.
This sponsored content was produced as part of the En route! project – The destination for careers in electric and smart transportation.
