It’s official. The much-awaited launch of the Public Bicycle-Sharing System (PBSS) in Mysuru will happen on July 24.
The logo and website of the country’s first bicycle-sharing system will be launched on July 18. The formal launch of the facility, which has seen multiple delays for various reasons, will be done by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
PBSS is being launched to popularise eco-friendly, non-motorised transport. District in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa will launch the logo and the website.
Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner C.G. Betsurmath said eight to 10 docking stations will be established at key locations and about 100 bicycles will be introduced initially.
A cycle rally has been planned on July 18 to spread awareness about the new facility. MCC is the implementing agency of the initiative, which was conceptualised by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT).
Ample funds
The World Bank has released Rs. 20.52 crore under its Global Environmental Facility (GEF) programme for launching this project. DULT has promised Rs. 9.6 crore, while MCC has taken up the responsibility of meeting the operational and maintenance costs for six years (about Rs. 2 crore). Green Wheel Ride has bagged the contract for the project.
Mr. Betsurmath told The Hindu that do cking stations, a control room and other infrastructure were getting ready. After the full launch, 450 bicycles will be available on rent for locals and tourists. Forty-two docking stations have been planned at major locations in the city, including at tourist hubs.
The basic components of the system are bicycles, docking stations, smartcard infrastructure, PBS management system, a central control centre and a maintenance centre.
There are plans to integrate the bicycle docking stations with bus and railway services to popularise the system among the public.
The bicycle-sharing system is being launched in the city to popularise
eco-friendly transport
