The Tiruchi City Corporation plans to start a public bicycle sharing system by building 50 stations at busy points.
The project will be implemented under the Smart City Proposals. All railway stations, bus stands, shopping malls, markets and tourists places will be linked in the bicycle sharing project.
Bicycles, as part of the project, can be hired from any station and deposited at any other. It will be highly beneficial for small distance commuters and tourists. The bicycles can be used in any part of the city. A nominal fee will be charged for using bicycles.
Corporation Commissioner N. Ravichandran told The Hindu that it was not only aimed at reducing the dependence on public and private vehicle transport in the city but also pollution. It would be an alternative to taxi or bus. Instead of using public transport, the users could take a bicycle from one point and return it at the next point, which was nearest to their destination.
It would also facilitate tourists to visit various tourist spots in the city without spending much on hiring cars and vans.
He said the project would be implemented on Public-Private-Partnership mode. While private players would acquire Global Positioning System fitted bicycles, the Corporation would provide land for constructing bicycle stations. It has been planned to construct 50 bicycle stations in the city. About 1,000 bicycles would be acquired for the project.
Stating that a few cities, including New Delhi Municipal Corporation, were implementing similar projects, Mr. Ravichandran said best methods would be adapted to make the project successful.
He said the Corporation has already begun preliminary works for calling for expression of interest for the project.
