Citi Bike is advertised as an affordable way to get around Hoboken, Jersey City and New York City, but it is not immune to price increases. Starting this week, annual memberships go up 8%, continuing a five-year trend of price hikes. Annual memberships will cost $239 as of Jan. 28. Since 2022, that’s a $54 - or 29% - increase. Members do not have to pay every time they unlock their bike and start riding.

For non-members, a half-hour rental costs the same $4.99 as last year, but it had gone up four straight years before that. Non-members in New Jersey pay 35 cents for every extra minute they ride.

The company also offers day passes with unlimited bike unlocks for $25. That's more than twice what it was in 2017, and some of the kiosks around Jersey City still reflect the old price.

"Even with the price increase, it's comparable or way cheaper than taking NJ Transit every day or especially owning a car,” said Tyler Newcomb, the president of Bike JC.

Members and guests each pay for every minute they ride an electronic Citi Bike - but Newcomb says they have their perks.

"Blue bikes are largely the pedal-only bike,” Newcomb said. “No motor, no assistance. They're a little bit cheaper. Especially if you have a membership, you get 45 minutes free. And then, if you need a little more of a kick to get up the hill, or if you had a little bit too much at dinner, those silver e-bikes are excellent for giving a little bit of a boost."

Citi Bike, which is owned by Lyft, says rising costs and tariffs contributed to this year's price increase. They are also pledging equipment upgrades and expanded service around New York City, but Newcomb wants to see more across the Hudson.

"We'd love to see some expansion,” Newcomb said. “Costs are going up. We would love to see a little bit of transparency so users can expect when cost increases are going to come so they can prepare for it a little better."

Jersey City and Hoboken signed a joint five-year contract with Citi Bike back in 2021, which is ending this year.