Soon, hop off the Bengaluru metro, hop on to a bike

Imagine this scenario: you step out of the metro station, hop on to a Harley Davidson parked in the basement and head to office. This may soon become a reality. For now, commuters can rent basic two-wheelers or bicycles by the hour.

BMRCL has tied up with a startup to provide last-mile connectivity to commuters. It launched the pilot venture, called Metrobikes, at Trinity Station on Saturday.

The service will be available at Trinity and Baiyappanahalli stations from Monday and from Indiranagar, Peenya and Mantri Square Sampige Road from the first week of June.

BMRCL has tied up with Wickedride Adventure Services for this venture.

K.J. George, Minister for Bengaluru Development and Town Planning, who flagged off the first bikes, said that it was gratifying to see startups trying to solve problems faced by commuters in the city.

“Let the youth come forward to solve the city’s problems,” Mr. George said.

After the entire Purple Line of Namma Metro was thrown open to the public, there has been a marked rise in the number of commuters. However, options for last-mile connectivity remain few and far in between. Renting two-wheelers from stations with the option of returning them at any station would be useful.

“We plan to increase our fleet and extend services to other stations depending on the response we get from the commuters across the city,” said Nishchay A.G., technology head at Wickedride.

Thirty vehicles will be available at each station. The company currently offers non-geared two-wheelers and cycles, but there are plans to increase the fleet to include electric vehicles. Even non-metro commuters can rent a bike.

Luxury rides Based on commuter feedback, there are plans to expand the fleet. “We are considering introducing high-end bikes on weekends when we anticipate demand for such vehicles,” said Mr. Nishchay.

Monday Launch

Services at Trinity and Baiyappanahalli stations will begin on Monday
Services at Indiranagar, Peenya and Mantri Square Sampige Road from first week of June

Pricing for two-wheelers

Rs. 20 is the minimum billing amount, valid for 30 minutes and 3 km
Beyond 3 km, the rate will be Rs. 3 per km
Rs. 10 will be charged for every additional 30 minutes
All the two-wheelers will be equipped with GPS

Rules for riders

Furnish valid driving licence and ID proof
One helmet will be provided free of cost
Fee for additional helmet