In late May, the city of San Marcos received notice from Spin that the company intends to cease operations in San Marcos when the company’s current contract with the city ends. The micromobility company operates the electric scooters and bicycles available in San Marcos, including on the Texas State University campus.
Spin’s current contract and service in San Marcos are expected to end June 30. The company cited low ridership levels in recent years, in addition to the impact of tariffs on device and spare part availability as reasons for the decision.
The city of San Marcos, in partnership with Texas State University, signed the original contract with Spin in September 2021 to launch a dockless scooter-share program in the city and on the Texas State University campus. The contract was last extended in 2024 for a one-year term and was on the agenda to be renewed during the June 3, city council meeting. City council voted to extend the terms of the contract through 2026, giving Spin the opportunity to reconsider its decision to cease operations.
“The micromobility program increases transportation options in San Marcos, reduces traffic congestion and improves transportation equity,” said Director of Public Works, Sabas Avila. “We appreciate the partnerships we’ve had with Spin and Texas State University to provide our community with an environmentally sensitive alternative to single-passenger vehicles, and we look forward to continuing to offer the service with Spin or with a new vendor.”
The city has been in contact with Spin to discuss the possibility of the company’s continued operations in the community. Should Spin move forward with ceasing operations at the end of the contract term, the city and Texas State University are prepared to move forward with the process to select a new vendor to provide micromobility services.
“We recognize that the availability of multi-modal transportation options is valuable to our community,” Avila said. “Our goal will be to locate a vendor that can provide micromobility services in the fall, coinciding with the start of a new semester at Texas State University.”
Until a new vendor can be secured, alternative transportation options for residents include:
• City of San Marcos Public Transit (The Bus) — free, fixed-route services operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
• Texas State University’s Bobcat Shuttle: Services are free and available to all San Marcos residents, regardless of Texas State University affiliation.
• Ride-Share Services: Uber and Lyft are available in the San Marcos area for on-demand transportation.
Sidewalk and Bike Paths: San Marcos residents can locate all bike and pedestrian facilities at www.sanmarcostx.gov/ smtxgo.
Since 2021, there have been a total of 322,634 rides on Spin devices in San Marcos.
For more information about alternative transportation options, visit sanmarcostx.gov/transit.
