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A new cycle-sharing scheme at 378 places in Chennai city
Posted on: 23/Nov/2017 12:29:40 PM
In order to encourage a healthy living style as well as reducing the pollution in the air, the Chennai Corporation has introduced a new ‘cycle-sharing` scheme for the 1st time in the city.
378 bicycle stations will be set up throughout the city. The Chennai Corporation has taken the lead being the 1st ever corporation to introduce the policy of non-motor traffic. Accordingly, the Chennai Corporation has been laying the pavements on various roads including T.Nagar Pondy Bazaar and Egmore Pantheon Road to enable the pedestrians to have a smooth walk. As a follow-up, the Corporation is set to implement the bicycle-sharing scheme.
This scheme is being taken up under the ‘smart city’ project and the Chennai Corporation Administration has given the approval to start and administer this scheme.
The Chennai Corporation senior officials observed that the use of the bicycle for travel has greatly reduced in the Chennai Metro City. Most of the other transport facilities being used cause air-pollution. So, in order to reduce the air-pollution level and also to provide the public to encourage undertaking cycle travel with the benefit of prevention of diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Once the system is established, the routine of a single person travelling in autos and taxi-cabs will reduce greatly leading to a substantial reduction in the traffic as well. As the smoke emanated from the vehicles will be lesser, it will ensure environmental protection also.
As per this new cycle-sharing scheme, cycle-sharing stations will be set up in 378 places in the city covering the important schools, colleges, metro railway stations, bus terminus, and parks 4976 cycles will be kept in these stations.
The cycles cost Rs. 12000 each. They will have the latest technology. Using a special App on the mobile phone, the user can scan the code on the cycle and then take it. On the basis of cashless transactions, the payment will be done through the App.The cycle rental charges are yet to be fixed.
The cost of this project has been estimated at Rs. 9.50 Crores.
The Chennai Corporation administration will only set up the 378 cycle-sharing stations. The contractor will take up the investment required for executing and providing this service.
The contractor will have the full responsibility for the maintenance of the cycles, station, security, and collection of service charges.
A tender has been floated to secure the contracts. The contractors have already started clarifying their doubts on various issues. The contractor who provides the cycles at the lowest rates will be given the contract for the cycle-sharing station.
It is not necessary that the cycle taken from a station should be returned there only. The user can approach the nearest cycle-sharing station to his/her destination and leave the cycle there. A great advantage is the cycle can be used to access even the streets where autos and taxis cannot drive.
The corporation officials remarked that this scheme would be a very special gift for the public.
