We have a bike sharing system in my city, but one must always return the bike to an automated bike rental station where the bike is locked. This is how it works

We have a bike sharing system in my city, but one must always return the bike to an automated bike rental station where the bike is locked. This is how it works in London as well AFAIK. A bike left just somewhere is a violation of the service terms and a penalty comparable to the fine for riding public transport without a ticket is charged from your credit card. I can understand why bike rental system without proper stations where the bikes are stored would be considered corporate littering.