App outage leaves users unable to hire bikes

The Santander Cycles app is currently down, affecting riders' ability to access bikes across the capital, Transport for London (TfL) has said.

The disruption means that app users are currently unable to unlock bikes from docking stations.

TfL said it was "working urgently to restore service" but could not provide a timeline for when the issue would be resolved.

The organisation added that members with a physical key were still able to hire bikes.

TfL first acknowledged the disruption on Wednesday morning via a notice on its website.

Customers can check the app or the Santander Cycles website for the latest updates on the status of the service.

The scheme has more than 12,000 hire bikes in the capital, with about 800 docking stations across London.

A TfL spokesperson said: "We're very sorry for the disruption caused to Santander Cycles customers.

"We're working hard to investigate the issue and restore services as soon as possible.

"We will keep customers informed with the latest updates."

A similar problem happened last year when planned software upgrades overran, leaving users unable to hire bikes and e-bikes via the Santander Cycles app or docking stations on 5 August.

The app has previously faced criticism for issues including repeatedly logging customers out, failing to store payment details and routine crashes.

TfL has previously said it will roll out a "new and improved app" this year for hiring Santander Cycles.

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