In a few months, tourists will not have to book a cab or haggle with an autorickshaw driver to go around the city. The State Transport Department has written to the government seeking permission to start a rent-a-bike service.
“As on date, a total of 11 companies have applied and we are still awaiting clearance from the government,” said a senior official of the department. Once the government gives the green light, the department will grant licences after ensuring the applicant has knowledge of the passenger transport business, necessary facilities for housing, maintenance and repair of vehicles and financial resources for continued maintenance, he said.
Norms for operation
“The applicant will also need to have a certain fleet strength to start the business. Most probably the registration plate will be in yellow colour with black letters on it,” said the official. Once the service is in place, the department is considering legalising bike-taxi services in the State, he added.
Already, there are around 25 small firms giving bikes on rent in the city and most of their customers are tourists. “The service has been there for the past 10 years. However, the government is regularising it now. This will bring more companies into the business and improve tourism revenue,” said an operator.
He said that the rent-a-bike service was regularised only recently in Bengaluru and Kerala. “We take all the necessary documents before giving the bike. Only after verifying credentials do we give the bike,” the operator said.
Yuri, a Russian tourist to Chennai, said that he prefers bikes over other modes of transport. “It helps me move around easily and visit a lot of places,” he said.
